Ramapo PD General Orders

GO 301, Patrol Operations
Town of Ramapo Police Department

GENERAL ORDER
General Order No. 301 Issuance Date: December 10, 2003
Subject: Patrol Operations
Cross Reference: Effective Date: December 15, 2003
Accreditation Ref: 39,1.
Distribution: All Members Rescinded Date:
issuing Authority: Chief Peter Brower
Reevaluation : Amended
301.1 Purpose
To describe the various tasks associated with the Patrol functi

on of the Department.
301.2 Policy
The Town of Ramapo Police Department provides 24 hour

police service to the Town of
Ramapo. It is the policy of the Department for the Patrol sectio
n to respond to calls for
service in the Town of Ramapo twenty four hours a day, seven
days a week, The Patrol
" section is charged with specific responsibilities,
,
301.3 Procedure
A. All members of the Department assigned to Patrol shall abide
by current legal and
Departmental guidelines in performance of their duties,
,
B. The following various tasks for the Patrol section include but
are not limited to:
1, Providing highly visible Patrol to develop the sense of omni-p
resence of
the police throughout the community at all times
.
Detection and Prevention of Criminal Activity
P n-
Responding to calls for service

er auwspw
Maintaining Law and‘Order

Preliminary Investigation of Crime
Providing non-criminal services (Community Policing)
mS
Promoting Public Relations

Crowd Control
Traffic Control and Enforcement
Accident Investigation
— oO
Driving While Intoxicated Investigations
GO 301, Page 1 of 1
GO 302, Notifications of Death, Injury or Iness

GENERAL ORDER
General Order No. 302 Issuance Date: August 27, 2001
Subject: Notifications of Death, Injury or Illness
Cross Reference: Effective Date: September 1, 2001
Accreditation Ref: 43.7, 18.1
Issuing Authority: Chief Brad Weidel
Reevaluation | 06/16 : / Amended 06/16
302.1 Purpose
It is the purpose of this policy to provide officers with guidelines for notifyin
g next of kin
of deceased, seriously injured, or seriously ill persons.
302.2 Policy
Notification of next of kin of the death, injury or illness of a family member

is a difficult
task even for experienced officers, There is a natural hesitancy to deal with
this subject,
and the risk exists that, without guidance, inappropriate methods, comments
or remarks
may unnecessarily exacerbate the mental distress of family members. Therefor
e, the’
Department requires that all officers become familiar with concepts and procedu
res set
forth in this policy so as to provide family members with sufficient useful informa
tion
and support in a manner consistent with professionally accepted crisis interven
tion
techniques,
302.3 Definitions
Next of Kin - For purposes of this policy, the closest relative of the deceased « spouse,
parents, brothers or sisters, and children,
"302.4 Procedures
“A. Notification Responsibility

poten oe
1 When deaths occur within the Department’s jurisdiction, normally, it is the

responsibility of the Rockland County Medical Examiner’s Office to make
notifications to the next of kin,
GO 302, Page 1 of6

GO 302, Notifications of Death, Injury or Illness
2, Depariment personnel should assist the Medical Examiner’s Office

whenever necessary and ensure that notifications are being made.
3. Requests from outside agencies to contact family members within the

Department’s jutisdiction may be handled by Department personnel in
accordance with this policy,
a. confirmation is necessary via teletype or fax from the requesting
agency prior to out agency making the notification.
b. if there is any doubt as to the validity of the call, a supervisor will
, be notified for further guidance,
4. Requests from individuals to contact family members within the

Department’s jurisdiction may be handled by Department personnel in
accordance with this policy.
a. all necessary pedigree and callback information shall be obtained
fiom the requesting individual.
b. . acall back verification will be made to the requesting individual.
G if there is any doubt as to the validity of the call, a supervisor will
be notified for further guidance.
B, —_ Information Gathering and Preparation
1. All death, injury or illness notifications that are the responsibility of

this
Department shall be delivered in person unless the exigency of
circumstances demand telephonic notification.
2. Officers shall be prepared to and shall be provided adequate discretion to

spend the necessary time with family members to provide assistance
as
authorized by this policy.
3. Prior to contacting next of kin, notifying officers shall gather and

familiarize themselves with essential details concerning the deceased,
injured or ill person, to include full name, age, race and home address,
as
well as details of the death, injury or illness, location of the body or
person, personal effects and other pertinent information,
4, Officers shall identify the next of kin of the death, injury or illness for
purposes of notification. Particular effort should be made to locate the
closest relative starting with a spouse and followed by parents, brothers or
sisters, then children.
a. only where substantial delays would be required to make contact
with next of kin should other relatives be contacted, ‘
b, officers should contact a supervisor for guidance when in doubt
concerning next of kin or delays in notification.
GO 302, Page 2 of 6
GO 302, Notifications of Death, Injury or Hlness
5. Where another agency must be contacted to notify the next of kin, officers
should:
a, request that the notification be made in person, and
b. request immediate verification when notification has been
accomplished,
c. send a teletype or fax if so requested by the outside agency,
6. Wherever possible, officers should gather available information concerning

the family members that may aid the notification. This includes, but is not
limited to, whether family members are elderly, disabled, visually or
hearing impaired, have medical problems or may not speak English. If
possible, obtain the names of the family member's closest relative, friend,
family doctor and clergyman.
7. Officers should, wherever reasonably possible, avoid using the name of

the deceased, injured or ill over the radio prior to notification of immediate
family members,
8. Where possible, iwo officers (preferably a supervisor and officer team)

should be assigned to such a notification.
9. Officers should request the assistance of the Department Chaplain or local

crisis intervention specialist where feasible,
10. Personal effects of the deceased, injured or ill shall not be delivered to
family members at the time of notification.
C. Making Notification
1 Upon atrival at the residence or place of business, officers shall do the

following:
a check the accuracy of the location;
b. tequest to speak to the immediate family member;
¢. - identify themselves by name, rank and Departmental affiliation;
a. verify the relationship of the family member to the deceased,
injured, or ill; and
&. ask permission to enter the residence or (in the case of a business
or other location) move to a place of privacy.
2. Every reasonable effort shall be made to make the notification in the

privacy of the family member’s home or in another location away from
public scrutiny.
3, Prior to making notification, officers should, where possible, bring

members of the family together who may be in the house or otherwise on
hand. .
GO 302, Page 3 of6

Officers should address the family members in a straight forward manner

and use easy-to-understand language to briefly explain the circumstances
of the incident and the fact that the individual is dead, seriously injured or
seriously ill.
a, Officers should not use euphemisms - such as “passed on” or “no
longer with us” - in order to avoid using the term “dead” as these
may create confusion or false hope.
b, Officers should avoid graphic aspects of the incident and the use of
police jargon,
G Officers should refer to the deceased, injured or ill using his/her
first name or terms reflecting the subject’s relationship to the
family member (i.e. son, daughter, etc.)
Officers should be prepared for unexpected tesponses from family

members to include hysteria and possible verbal or physical attack,
Officers should provide family members with sufficient time to regain

composure before proceeding. Avoid attempts in the interim to provide
conafort by using simple platitudes or trite phrases (¢.g, “I know how you
feel,” “I know how hard this is foryou.”).
Providing Assistance and Referral
Officers shall not leave upon completion of the notification until

reasonably assured that the family member has adequate personal control
and/or family or close friend(s) readily avaitable to provide support, In
gauging the need for assistance, officers shall also consider the following:
a. the emotional reaction and physical condition of the family
member;
the availability of other adults in thé home;
aes
responsibility for infants or small children;

home environment (e.g. evidence of excessive alcohol use or drug
use, lack of means of financial support, shortage of food, problem
with shelter, etc.); and
e availability of a support system (e.g, including friends, family,
close neighbors, access to clergy, means of transportation, etc.)
Officers should provide any additional information on the incident

requested by family members. While graphic details may not be
necessary, officers should provide information if asked specifically
concerning the cause of death, injury or illness, condition of injured or ill
or of the body, -
Officers should remain alert to the possible need for medical assistance,
When officers are aware of serious medical conditions in advance of
notification, they should place a local medical response unit on alert,
GO 302, Page 4 of 6
4, Officers should be aware of confusion on the part of family members;

speak slowly and deliberately, and write down any pertinent information
that the family member may need. This includes such matters as the
following:
a. location of the injured or ill;
b. disposition of the body;
C. location of personal effects;
d. identification requirements/procedures; and
& notifying officers’ names, Department and telephone numbers,
5, Officers should assess the physical and emotional well-being of the family
member before departing, Officers should be reasonably assured that
family members can take care of themselves and those for whom they may
be responsible. In addition to concerns noted in item C-1 above, officers
should be able to answer “yes” to the following types of questions: -
a Is the family member thinking clearly? That is, does the individual
(1) seem to be aware of your presence?
(2) _ have some grasp of place and time?
(3) demonstrate a progressive ability to express
himself/herself? and/or
(4) _ begin to demonstrate some grasp of the reality of the death,
injury ot illness?
b. Does the family member have reasonable control over his/her
emotions or does the individual display shock (no apparent
_emotion), furious hostility or the desire to commit suicide?
c Can the family member cops physically? For example, has the
family member fainted, displayed debilitating weakness ot
emotional collapse, and does the family member have an adequate
Support system that can be relied upon?
6. Officers should not leave a lone family member unattended until all
reasonable efforts have been made to garner fitst-hand support from the
family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, family clergy, crisis counselors or
other community social service agencies.
7. Notifying officers should ensure that a follow-up visit is conducted with

any family member when there is concer for his/her well-being,
E. Death Notification — Police Department Member
1, Whenever possible, line of duty death notifications should be made in person

by the Chief of Police or designee, and another member of this department,
preferably an individual with personal knowledge of the deceased officer and
GO 302, Page 5 of 6
his/her family. Where feasible, the police chaplain (if available) or other crisis
intervention specialist should be present during the notification.
. The name of the deceased officer should not be released to the media or other
parties before survivors are notified, Ifthe media has already obtained
information related io the death, they should be asked to withhold the
information until after the notifications have been completed.
. When available, unmarked police vehicles should be used for transport to the
location of survivors.
. Gather information conceming the survivors that may aid in the hotification,
This includes, but is not limited to whether survivors are elderly, disabled,
have medical problems or do not speak English, in which case a translator
should be provided. If possible, officers should obtain the names of the
sutvivor’s closest relative, friend, family doctor, and clergyman.
. Whenever the health of immediate survivors is a concern, emergency medical

personnel should be requested to standby.
. Before leaving, the notifying officials should provide the family with contact
information for the various Department personnel who will assist them in the
future.
. Ifthe opportunity to get the family to the hospital exists prior to the officer’s
death, notification officers should inform the hospital liaison officer that the
family is en route, In such cases, immediate transportation should be provided
for survivors. During transporiation, all police radios should be turned off.
. Communication of information conceming the officer and the incident shall,

whenever possible, be restricted to the telephone or other secure means to
avoid interception by the media or others.
. The notification officer should be responsible for identifying additional

survivors outside the area and should make any notifications as desired by the
immediate family. Such notification should be made by contacting the law
enforcement agency in that jurisdiction and requesting that a personal
notification by made,
GO 302, Page 6 of 6
GO 303, Mutual Aid

GENERAL ORDER
Subject: Law Enforcement Mutual Aid
Cross Reference: Effective Date: August 18, 2003
Accreditation Ref: 58.1, 40.2
Reevaluation | 42/03 | 12/13 | 03-15 Amended — | 12/03 | 02/14 | 03-15
303.1 Purpose
To establish standard department procedures for providing assistance to or requesting

assistance from other police agencies pursuant to the General Municipal Law.
303.2 Policy
It is the policy of the Town of Ramapo Police Department to provide emergency

assistance to police officers or police agencies outside the Ramapo police jurisdiction
when such is requested, It is also the policy of this Department to respond to or initiate
mutual aid requests in the manner directed by this Order.
303.3. Procedures
A. General.
1, A request for emergency assistance made to a Rockland police agency by another
police agency is an official and formal process. Failure to follow established
procedures may give rise to a liability for both the employer and/or for employees.
B. Specific Actions.
1, Requesting emergency aid or assistance fiom outside agencies.
t
a. Who is authorized to initiate a request?
(1) Officer Needs Assistance, ‘This becomes a form of mutual aid when
assistance is sought from outside agencies. Any officer in the field, when
in personal danger or when there is danger to others beyond his/her
capacity to control, can initiate a request for assistance through his/her
Emergency Communications Center (ECC). When this type of request is
made to outside agencies, it should be transmitted to the outside agency
via police radio to ensure a voice record is captured. Additionally, ECC
personnel shall make a log entry of the request, :
GO 303, Page 1 of4
GO 303, Mutual Aid
(2) Other requests for mutual aid are to be made only by a police
supervisor,
The request should be transmitted via police radio and log entries
are to be
made.
b. What information should be relayed when requesting assistance?
(1) Location where assistance is required.

(2) Nature/description of the threat or incident,
(3) Description of suspects/participants/cars/setting.
(4) Staging area for responding officers, (Except for “officer needs
assistance” type responses, the responding officers should be
first “staged”
at a location where they can be briefed, Depending upon certain
citcumstances, responding officers may be asked to respond directl
y to the
incident location without staging.)
(5) Description of what responding officers are expected to do,
2, Responding to a request from another agency for Mutual Aid.
a. Duties of ECC personnel,
(1) Notify a shift supervisor without delay.
(2) Acquire all essential information to include:
(a) Location of the event,

(6) Location of the staging area if determined,
(c) Nature of the incident/threat,
(d) What actions are expected of Ramapo Officers,
(3) Make a log entry and assign an incident number.
(4) NOTE: ECC personnel do not have authority to direct officer

s to respond
to locations outside of the Ramapo Police jurisdiction.
(a) Exception: =~ When an agency outside af the Ramapo Police
Jurisdiction requests help in an “Officer Needs Assistance” type
capacity, ECC personnel shall direct officers to respond, and
immediately notify a shift supervisor of this action.
b. Duties of the Shift Supervisor.
(1) Acquite as much information as possible about the incident that

is the
basis for the request,
GO 303, Page 2 of 4
GO 303, Mutual Aid
(2) Direct a response by specific units, The number of units to be committed
in mutual aid shall be determined following an assessment of the Town’s
police needs first.
() I 2 R20 potice suparvisor

shall be assigned to any mutual aid event where Ramapo
officers respond, and shall maintain supervision over Ramapo officers at
the incident.
(a) A Ramapo police supervisor may respond to mutual aid incidents
whenever he/she feels that a response is watranted, or when
requested by Ramapo officers at the scene of the mutual aid event.
()
shall notify the Staff Duty
Officer for direction, (amended 02/14)
(4) Geographically reposition remaining field assets to maximize coverage

within the Town. The Shift Supervisor may also call in additional
personnel as needed.
(5) Unless unusual circumstances exist, officers should respond to a staging

area designated by the requesting agency. If none is announced, it is to be
requested,
(©) Any time officers of this department are dispatched outside the Town of
Ramapo Police service area for mutual aid purposes, whether or notthey
actually arrive on the scene, the Shift Supervisor shall ensure that a copy of
the related report is submitted to the Operations Commander.
(amended 02/14)
(a) —_ Report submission to the Operations Commander shall not apply to
routine situations such as backing up adjoining departments on
vehicle stops or burglar alarms without any other extenuating
circumstances: (amended 02/14)
c. Duties of the Staff Duty Officer.
(1) Determine the proper supervisory response. (amended 62/14)

(2) After evaluation of the circumstances, the SDO may authorize the call-out
of additional personnel and/or supervisors.
d. Duties of the Operations Commander (amended 02/14)
(1) Review all mutual aid reports teceived under this Order. (amended 02/14)
(2) Notify the Chief of Police of any emergency mutual aid events,
s. Duties of Police Officers,
(1) Itis a violation of this Order for any police officer to respond to a request
for aid/assistance made by an agency or other person outside of the Town
of Ramapo Police jurisdiction without specific direction to do so made by
a Ramapo police supervisor,
GO 303, Page 3 of 4
GO 303, Mutual Aid
(2) Officers are not to assume authority to respond

to a mutual aid situation
simply by announcing that he/she is responding, Rather, office
advise communications of their location, their availabili
rs shall
to respond and
ty
shall wait further instructions.
.
(a) = Exception: ~~ When an officer or agency outsid
e of the Ramapo
Police jurisdiction requests help in an “Officer Needs
Assistance”
iype capacity, and a Ramapo officer is within a reasonable
response distance, the Ramapo Officer shall begin a respo
nse and
make every reasonable attempt to notify communications
without
delay. In these situations, the Ramapo officer may conti
nue a
response pending a supervisor's approval,
(3) When authorized to assist other agencies, responding
officers shall respect
the rank of all superior and command officers from
those agencies, The
Ramapo supervisor or senior officer shall be under comm
and of the
commanding officers of the Depariment requesting mutua
l aid,
C. Required Reports,
1, Any time officers of this Department participate in an emerg

ency mutual aid
event, the Officer in Charge at the time such assistance was
provided shall ensure
that a numbered report (Assist Outside Agency) is completed
by one of the
responding units to include the following information: (amend
ed 02/14)
a Agency initiating request and the time the request was receiv
ed;
b. location where assistance was needed and reason for request
;
c actions taken; and
d. any other pertinent information.
2. Anytime three or more Ramapo officers respond to an

emergency mutual aid
event, the OIC shall ensure that a supplemental report is comple
ted by the
responding supervisor to include the following information:
(amended 02/14)
Officers who responded, time atrived, time cleared;
actions taken and involvement by Ramapo officers;
Pe ness
persons involved, including other officers, supervisors;

any injuries that may have occurred:
and damage to Department equipment; and
any other pertinent information,
3. Required reports shall be completed prior to the end of the

tour of duty during
which assistance was rendered. (amended 02/14)
GO 303, Page 4 of4

GO 304, Adult Lockups and Holding Cell
. Town of Ramapo Police Department

GENERAL ORDER
General Order No. 304 Issuance Date: September 5, 2003
Subject: Adult Lockups and Holding Cell
Accreditation Ref:
Issuing Authority: Chief Peter Brower
[ Beevauatn ] 304 ] 02/05 | | | | Aasente | 304 | e308 | | | |
304.1 Purpose
” Itis the purpose of this policy to establish guidelines for the management and
administration of the Department's adult lockup and holding cell to include the
security,
care and control of prisoners housed therein,
304.2 Policy -
It is the policy of the Town of Ramapo Police Department to provide secure tempora
ry
holding cells for prisoners awaiting interrogation, arrest processing, and transfer
County jail or other administrative procedures aid to maintain these facilitie toa
s in a sanitary
and safe manner, As suck, officers assigned to or using jeil or holding cells
shall
to the following procedures and shall bs alettto any problems or conditions that adhere
may
compromise security, safety or the well-being of detained prisoners.
~ 3043 Definitions
A, Adult Lockup- a temporary holding facility that does nothold persons after they
have
been formally chargedor convicted, except while awaiting remandment to an Adult
Jail. The jail cells and the “holding cell” located at Ramapo Police Ht
dui
“ “Lockups, - ’
304.4 Procedures
A. An officer who has a person in custody, upon arrival at police headquarters

shall:
L. Notify the ECC (2mergenoy Communications Center) that he/she has
artived with
& person in custody. (ECC personnel ate to activate appropriate in-house
cameras),
GO 304, Page 1 of 10
GO 304, Adutt Lockups and Holdi
Coll
b, Electronic surveillance of teas wher

e prisoners are detained is approved only
88 att adjunctto actual phystoal visite
by police department petsonnel, and shall
not be considereagd a substifor tutemich visits,
:
2. Supervision of feinale prisoners shall
be accomplished by a matron (or female
police officer), and a female prisoner
shall
dctention stea unless the matron (or fetua not be placed in or removed froma
le police officer) is present, The matr
on
ed unless accompanied by the matr

police officer shall conduct the tequired on,’ in such cago, the matron or female
physical cheoks of femaleprisoners
pursuant to this general order,
a. Fomale prisoners shall bo placed
in the female cell when possible, -
b. Inthe case of multiple female pris
oners, the mate cell area thay be util
provided that no male prisoners are lodg ized
ed within,
3. Before being placed in a jail cell or
holding
each prisoner shall be thoroughly searched jail cell, the clothing and persons of
, Strlp searches shall be conducted in
accordance with GO 307. Officars shall
Temove all articles such as belts,neckties
as shoes/shoelaces, which could be,
used to selftinflict an injury or injure
,
persons, other
& —_ An acourate inventory shall
be made ofall money, and items such
Watches and any othe ag rings,
r personal Property othe
at the time of processing. A Properly recei r than clothing articles taken
processing officer
pt shall be prepared by the
4. Prior to placing a prisoner in a cell,

a search of the cell shall be conducted for
‘Weapons or contraband. Priorto telease, a similar search shall be cond
will also include inspection for property ucted that
damage, Problems uncovered inthese
Searches shall be brought to the attention
ofa supervisor,
5. Smoking is nat permitted in the cells
or cell area,
6. Seoure the prisoner in the holding cell
or in the jail cell. Ifthe prisoner is placed
the holding cell, he/she must be hand
cuffed in
to the wall-shackle therein,
oa ‘The holding cell is a convenisnes to an
attesting officer during the
Processing phase ofan arrest by providin
g @ location to temporatily place
an atresteo before fina! placement into a jail cell,
|
cee
' NYS Conrection Law § 7504.4 ©
> NYS Correction La
§ 7504.1
w 5)
GO 304, Pag
2 ofe10
GO 304, Adult Lockups and Holding Cell
8. Provide for medical care or evaluation of a prisoner if such
is necessary or ifthe
pilsoner requests such or complains of ‘pain or injury.
Paramedics may be sumtnoned by the arresting officerto provide care or
evaluation as necessary,
b. IE paramedics respond, the acresting officer shall provide for tho safety of
paramedic personnel and the security of the prisoner during the
evaluation/treatment,
G All such treatment/evaluation shall be recorded in the arresting officer'
s
incident report as well as at entry made in the Deparitnent Jail Log,
9. Confer with a supervizor and the District Attomey when so required

, regarding the
attest, charges, bail and disposition of the arrestee,
10. Provide for the feeding of person in custody. By regulation, a person in custody
must he provided with food and drintc thres times a day (morning, noon and
evening) unless declined by the artesteo,
An entry must be made in the jail log ench time a prisoner is fed or
declines food.
b, Food and beverage shall be offered and provided at no cost to the prisoner,
G Meal are tosbe obtaiat
nedthe or other designated food
establishment,
a. Meal are tosbe kept simp in le
nature
8 Spending limits are set as follows:
(1) breakfast §=—$3.00
Q) — Sunch $5.00
3) dinner $8.00
‘The officer making the pick up shall provide the arrest number tothe
or other location, for the receipt, Do not put the prisoner's
hame on the receipt,
A copyof the receipt is to be forwarded to the Adnuinistrative Lieutenant.
Caution must be taken to ensure prisoners are not provided with food or
beverage containers, which could be used as instruments to self-inflict
injuries or injure other persons,
B. Suicide Watch and Soresning

1, ‘The arresting officer, supervisors and desk personnel shall bo especially watchful
-
for verbal and behavior indications of sulcidal intent or serious mental health
or
~~ medical problems, Noteworthy indications include bist are not limited to:’
Semiconscious or unconscious state;
depressed state, indication of withdrawals
periods of ctying, insomnia, sluggishness;
memes
extreme restlessness, pacing: :

sudden drastic change in miood, esting or sleeping habits;
signs of drug or alcohol withdrawal or intoxication; and
signs of serious mental health problents such as hallucinations and
delusions,
GO 304, Page3 of 10 ; \
* G0:304, Adult Lookups and Holding Cell
2. The screening procedure shall include:
a Inquiring of the arvesting officer and other officers having contact with the
detainee whether the detainee oxhibited any bizare or unusual behavior,
made unusual statements, or in ay other way indloated that the detaines
may bo a suicide risk; and
b. A seatoh of the detainee's porsonal belongings for indications of ‘past or
present mental health problems, suicidal tendencies or other health and
safety related factors. , .
3. Screening follow-up,
a. The supervisor shall assure that appropriate actlon follows the stresning
process, commensurate with the results of that screening. If constant
observation of the detaines is warranted, an officer or matron shall be
assigned, and shall maintain constant observation until the detaines ig
committed to the County Jail or transported to a mental health
care facility,
(1) Where it is determined that the detainee is in need of medial
attention, e physician or other medical personnel shall be called,
(®) —_ Huonois available or if'an emergency exists, the detaines
shall be tran to an emergency medical facility, such
ag with or witthe houdetaines’
ts
consent, Once the detaince is transported to the hospital
and evaluated bya physician, he/she can then refuse
treatment, which shall be so noted on the incident report.
(6) The supervisor shall assure first aid is rendered toprisoners
as nesded,
(2) No medication shall be given to a detainee naless authorized or
prescribed by a physician,
b. Persons who appear to be extremely intoxicated by alcohol should

preferably be examined by aphysicin®, =“
(1) Experience has established that an alcoholic beverage odor
emanating fiom a prisoner oan obsoure a serious physical
deficioncy such as drug addlotion, stroke, diabetic coma,
heart attack, ete.
2)- ~Extremely Intoxicated Prisoners generally are not to be
broughit éo the police station until after a medical evaluation
has heen obtained. They are to be transported from the field
to the Hospital Emexgency Room, preferably by ambulance
prior to processing at police HQ. _
(®) _ The staff of the exiergency room is to be asked to doa
medical evaluation of the prisoner. The emergency room
will not “cleat” a prisoner but should do a medical
evaluation for any underlying medical conditions,
NYS Correction Law § 7503.1(b)

GO304, Adult Lockups and Holding Celi
(6), Rockland Paramedics Service and BMS agencies are not
authorized to provide “medical clearance” of prisoners, A
physician is required to do the evaluation in accordance
with the NYS Correction Law.
(3) Additional officers may be detailed by a supervisor to assist with
security ofthe prisoner while at the hospital.
¢. Prisoners who appear to be mentally ill and/or are conducting themselves

in a tranner, which is likely to result in setious harmto themselves or
others, shall be transported to the
for psychological evaluation, (amended 02/05)
(1) This determination shall be made based on the above screening
procedures but is not limitedto them,
2) Constant observation shall be maintained throughout
‘transportation.
(@) —_Insuch cases, attempts should be made to have the pilsoner
either atraigned or released on an appeatance ticket in a
timely fashion, whenever reasonably possible,
a Prisoners who do not appe to bear

in tha high risk category, but exhibit
verbal or behavior tendencies indicating the potential need for medical or
‘mental health referral shall bo placed under constant observation,
® Prisoners who do not fall into a category requiring constant observation or

further action, but ate exttemely intoxloated, or otherwise lead the officer
to reasonably believe increased superviston is necessary, shall be placed
under active supervision,
° 4. All other detainees shall be placed under routine observation.
1. “CONSTANT SUPERVISION” shall mean an officer or matron physically

observing the detains at all times,
2, “ACTIVE OBSERVATION” shall mean audio and video monitoring of the ,

detainee and periodio physical checks at intervals of not more than
3." “ROUTINE OBSERVATION" shall mean audio and visual moritoring of the
detainee and physical checks at intervals of not more than
4. During all levels of observation aud supervision:
a, Supervision of femato detainees shal! be accomplished by a matvon or

a sworn female officer,
(1) Callout Procedures,
@) Whenever a sworn female officer is on-duty, and available,

she should be uiilfzed for matron duties,
GO 304, Page
5 of 10
0204, Adult Lockups and Holding Celi
(6) In absence of an on-duty sworn female officer, a qualified
matron shall be contacted from the matron call-ont roster at
the BCC. Ifthoso attempts are unsuccessful, a sworn
female officer may be called in for matron duty.
(Exception: In certain situations, including but not
Umited to violent or emottanally disturbed prisoners, ar
cases ta which a prisoner's statement may be integral to
the casa, a supervisor may call in a sworn female afficer to
Perform matron duties in lleu of utilizing the matron call-
out roster),
@ An on-duty fomale dispatcher or clerical parson who is also a

qualified matron shall not bo used to perform matron duties except
(@) temporarily, and
(6) when absolutely necessary, and
(©) only for that period of time until a call-out matron or
female police officer. arrives,
@) A female radio dispatcher or clerical person on duty and who is

also a qualified matron may be used to conduct a simple “pat
down” search of'a female detainee prior to the arrival of a female
officer of call-out matron,
@ Where no matron or female officer is available to carry out

required duttes, female detainees shall not be placed in a detention
jail. cell or “holding cell”. Provisions shall be made to have them
searched by either a Rockland County Jail matron ot by other such
fomale potson as shall be available from other agencies. The
detainee shall then be secured by handouffs or other means and
placed in a suitable location where she can be observed by in-
house personnel,
6) Under the above-described clreumstances, the supervisor or

arresting officer shall make every effort to secure the services ofa
Towh Justice, or failing that, an Out of Town Justice for immediate
attaigntoent, The supervisor shall attempt to terminate the above-
described condition by releasing the female detainee on bail or
appearance ticket when such is permitted by law.
5. In any case where it isnecessary to place a detainee under constant supervision,

the supervisor shall attempt to expedite the release or commitment process,
a Upon atralgument, the judge shell be advised by the accompanying officer

of the detainse’s high-risk status in order to assure siticide watoh or
medical attention as needed, :
6. Whether under constant, active or routine observation, the detainee should be

reassessed periodicalltoy detect any deterioration in mental or physical condition,
and to act accordingly if such deterloration is noted,
G0 304, Adult Lockups and Holding
Celt
& Detainees who appear to be sleeping areto be checked to assure
that they
arebreathing and not in need of tnedical assistance,
D. Detention,
L Unless otherwise required by.this order, al detainees placed

under “routine observ
in aja cll shall be
ation,”
2. Upon request, after Screening and booking, prisoners may
bs pormitted to make
one local phone call. Requests to place extta local calls and
those
distance nature should be decided on an individual basis consist ofa long
detainees situati
ent with the
on, funds in his/her Possession and the possibility of revers
charges or otherwise having the detainee make reimbursemen ing toil
ts for same,
3, Photographs and fingerprints, when permissible
by Iaw, shall be taken by the
attesting officer , or a person directad by a supervisor,
4, When mugging and printing a detaineo, personne! shall

log complaint/arrest
number, date and arrest, names, ete,, in the logs provid
ed in the arrest processing
room.
.
. Whonever anyone is taken from, ot lodged in, on of the detenti
the responsibility of the officer making such move to notify on jail cells, itis
the communications
center attd fo ensure approptiate entries are made in the jail log.
. At the change of each tour, the OIC boing relieved ig responsible

for briefing the
on-coming OIC regarding the presence and status of all detaine
es who remain in
the custody of the Department,
:
E. Discipline,
L Minor matters of discipline, where no danger of safety, property or

life exists,
shall be handled in such a manner as to attract as little attention
as possible fo the
incident,
a Officers sha notll

strike or lay hands on a detainee untesits is in sole
dofonse, to prevent escape or serious injury to the detainee,
another
person, to property, quell a disturbance, or to affact the detenti
on, In such
case, only the amount of physical force necessary to accomp
lish the
desired result is authorized,
Po
GO 304, Page7 of 10
G0 304, Adult Loctu
© — Theuse of chemical agents such as OC or other Depar ps and Holding Cell i
tment authorized
chemicals within adult lock-up areas are limited to
personnel
trained and |
certif
inied
their use and only when other restraint method
or efforsts to
subdus have failed, or jt 1s determined thet other metho i
ds would not he I
successful. The detainee shall be decontaminated and treated a8 soon
possible after control hay heen re-cstablished, Authorit as
yto use chemical
agents should come from a supervisor or command
officer, when possible,
and the following should be considered:
(1) The close quarters where tho chemicals are used:
contamination of other officers present; and
(3) the possibility of rendering the cetls unusable for a period
of time,
a Detainees shall not be handouffed or secured in any
other manner to jail
cell bars,
2, Inthe event physical force, additional restraining device

s or chemicals must be
used as described above, such detail shall he recorded as required,
F. Escapes,
1. Prisoner escapes shall be reported itumediately to the

shift OIC and the RCC,
@ —_Desor iptions, identities and offenses of escapees shall be
relayed to all on
duty personnel as quickly as possible and to adjou
rning jurisdictions,
b, The OIC shall coordinate intelligence gathering and
searchprocedures
atnong personne! and other law enforcement agenas oi
appropes
©. The jail and holding cells shall be secured as soon as possib riate, i
le, and all
prisoners shall be accounted for,
d. All seourity doors and devices shall be inspected to ensure
proper
functioning,
®& The OIC shall initiate an investigation of the olrcumatanoes
suttounding
the escape, The Chieoff Staff shall supervise the overal
l investigation of
the escape.
G, Sanitation,
1. The jail and holding cells shall be maintained in aclea

n and sanitary manner.
a, Custodial staff shall be advised of any cleanups that may
be heoessary,
Hy Reportable Incidents’ (amended 3/04)
LA supervisor shall ensure that all reportable incidents shall be
Teported to the State
Commission of Correction.
2, Areportable incident shall mesa:

a prisoner death;
b prisoner injury or illness requicing hospitalization;
G civil or natural emergency; or
d disturbance
4 Part 7508.12
GO 304, Page
8 of 10
GO 304, Adult Lookups and Holding Cell
3. Reportable incidents shalt be reported by mail to the New York State Commis
sion
of Correction, Department of Coirections, 4 Tower Place, Albany, New
York
12203, using the “Reportable Inoldent” form SCOC-S01,
4, ‘The death ofa prisoner shall be reported to New York State Commission of
Correction within six hours of pronouncement of death in a form and manner
prescribed by the Commission. A contast phone number is
I. Visits,
L. Detainees shall be permittedto converse via telephone with their counsel or

teligious advisor at least once. Conversations with others (family, otc.) may be
allowed at the OIC's discretion.
2, The OIC has sole disoretion to authorize a visit ftom a detainee’s counsel or
SE
3. In cases being managed by a Detective, the Special Services Lieutenant may

authorize 2 visit from a detainees counsel or religious advisor as provided above,
4. Visits may only be done in limited situations in which the OIC or Special
Services
Lieutenant believes the visit is necessary at the given time,
a All persons sceking visitation shall be required to show proper
identification and their visit shall be recorded in the jail log.
6. No more than one person may visit at any given time. .
©. All persons seeking visitation ate subjectto search, Absolutely no
containers, briefbases, food, ete, may be carried into the visit,
d. No physical cont is permitte
act d between visitors and detainees,
8 If visitation is permitted, listening privacy may be afforded however the
visitation must be under observation by an officer,
5 Family members are NOT PERMITTED to vistt detainees except for juvenile
delinquents,
J. Prisoner Release,
" 1, Prisoners shall be released from custody only: .

a When directed by proper legal authority or bail has been obtained;
b. when they have been photogra and fingerpri
phed nted when required by
law; and .
a | when the prisoner has been properly identified,
2. Prisoners shall be requested to sign the tecelpt for their personal property after
items have been compared against tite original inventory and found to be
complete, :
GO304, Adult Lockups and Holding Cell
Any disorepanoies shall be reported to asupervisor,
Refusal to sign the receipt shal! be noted by the releasing officer,
G Ttems held as contraband or evidence shall be noted separate on the
inventory report,
Authorities taking oustody of released prisoners shall be provided with alll

relevant information on the prisoner, to inoluds information on pending charges,
illness or injury, suicide attempts or potentials, drug use, use of prescribed
drugs
ifknown, records of any medical treatment provided, and the potential
for
violence and or escape,
a Prisoner property shall be releasedto and signed for by the prisoner or

accepting authority after it has been audited, .
GO 304, Page 10 of 10
GO305, Prisoner Transport and Custody

GENERAL ORDER
General Order No. 305 Issuance Date: May 4,2001
Subject: Prisoner Transport and Custody
Cross Reference: Effective Date: May 14, 2001
Acereditation Ref: 64.1
Distribution: All Members Reseinded Date:
|Reevaluation | [ | | | | Ananded | i | i | |
305.1 Purpose.
‘The transportation of prisoners is the weakest link in the

process of providing security for
the detention of persons in custody. Almost all successful escapes that occur during the
time a prisoner is being transported happen because the prison
er took advantage ofthe
officers lapse in adherence to policy relating to prisoner tremsportati
officer
on or because the
relied too heavily on the ability of the restraining device
s and/or the transporting
vehicle to prevent or discourage escape, The purioss of this
regulation is to establish
policy and provide guidelines for mombers of the Town of Ramap
o Police Department
for searching prisoners incident to arrest as well as transporting
of persons follow
and placing into custody
ing arrest.
305.2 Policy.
Itis the policy of the Town of Ramapo Police Department to follow
arrest and
custody procedures which are consistent ‘with law and which provide
for appropriate care,
safety and protection of the rights of citizens who are arrested and held in the
the Town of Ramapo Police Department, custody of
305.3 Frocedures,
a
A, Vehicle Inspection
a ,
GO 305, Page 1 of 9
GO 305, Prisoner Transport and Custody
b. All. windows shail be intact, aud outer door Iatohes in firoper working
order,
4. Other Restraining Devices
a, use of “flex-ouffs” ts generally reserved for use at mass arrest situations or in

those instances where handoufis are not available to the officer,
GO 305, Page2 of 9
G0305, Prisoner Transport and Custo
©, straight jackets are reserved for violent emotionally disturb

ed prisoners,
Emergency Medical Service (2MS) vehicles genorally are equipped
with a
straight jacket. EMS must be dispatched and consulted with priorto
the use of
astraight jacket by officers,
5. Females shall be aubjeot to the same handoufiing policy es males |

MRE (1082 t0 9p. 2 B-32 of this GO)
a. when a male officer has cause to place a female under arrest he shall, if
practical, sutamon the aid of another officer, ideally a famale officer
if
available,
.
§. Juvenile prisoners shall be handcuffed in the same manner as adult prisone
rs,
C. Procedures “at-the-scens” of an attest
1, All persons placed under arrest shall he field-searched for potential

weapons
and/or contraband which could be used against an officer and /or seoreted
in the
transporting vehicle,
2. Female prisoners should be searched by female officers or matrons,

if possible,
before transportation.
a, Officers may handcuffa female prisonor and closely observe them

while
awaiting a female officer to arrive to conduct a sedroh,
D, Transporting Prisoners
1, Prisoners shall be transported in a manner that allows for constant visual
observation, Prisoners shall not be leftunattended during transport,
GO 305, Page3 of 9
GOS, Prisoner Transport and Custody
a, Additional department vehiotes may be assigned by a supervisorto follow
1 eerreereneeemenee
the transport vehicle as additional safeguards for the transporting unit,
3. Seating of officers and prisoners should conform withfollowing:
i oe
ii,
iii,
iv,
vw
b. Multiple Prisoners
GO 305, Page4 of 9
GO305, Prisoner Transport and Custody
4, The physical well-being of prisoners shell be monitored during transit, Particular.

attention shall be directed to persons reported or suspected of being under the
influence of drags and/or alcohol,
b. escorting officers shall remain with the patient at all times unless relieved by
other authorized personnel,
:Po
GO 305, Page 5 of 9
5. Any wheelchairs, crutches, prosthetic devices, and medication should be

transported with, but not in the possession of, the prisoner.
B. Transporting
Femule Prisoners.
Li .
3. Female and mate prisoners will be transported separately unless
a, they are members of the same immediate family and not a threatto exch
other, or;
b, within the officer's disoretion, a compelling reason exists otherwise,
F. Prisoner Safety
1, Asresting officers are rosponsible for the safety and protection of prisoners
while in their custody. The officers shall, as soon as possible, notlfy thelr
supetior of any injury, apparent illness, o other conditions which indicate that
the prisoner may need emergetiey or special care.
GO 305, Pago 6 of9

2. Officers charged with the custody of prisoners shall observe all laws and
Departmental orders in connection with thisactivity,
a prisonors shall be kept securely, treated in a humane mariner, and shall not
be subjected to unnecessary restraintor force.
b, Profane, abusive or racially motivated language directed at prisoners is

prohibited.
the arresting officer is responsible for the custody of the prisoner until
custody is assuraed by another officer or other competent authotity. This
responsibility includes the prevention of acts by any other member of the
Depattment which violate the law or Department regulations,
any Department smployee, including the arresting officer, who has

knowledge of any violations of this provision shall immediately teport the
information to their respective squad or division commander,
3. Commencing with the time of airest, the arresting officer is also responsible
for the security of the prisoner's parsonal property, Upon attival at thepolice
station the following shall be done:
a, all personal items removed ftom a prisoner, including clothing, shall be

itemized, placed in a prisoner locker and the prisoner shall bo provided
with a receipt for said property;
iL strip searching of prison

is governed
ers by GO 307.
ii. _items taken from the person of a prisoner which haveevidentiary

value shall be secured and recorded in a manner describedby
department order governing the handling of evidence andproperty.
iii, —_ when possible, itemizing and recording of property taken from a

prisoner should be witnossed by another officer:
b when the prisoner is released, he/she shall sign a recelpt acknowledging

the return of that personal property which was taken and which hes no -
evidentiary valie;
in the event a prisoner is turned over to another agency, thepersons

responsible for the follow up custody and transport shall inventory the
personal property taken from the prisoner. If possible the prisoner should
witness the exchange of property, and shall sign a receipt for such
Property. A copy ofthe property oustody report shall be made part of the
atrest/incident report,
GO 305, Page7 of 9
G0 305, Prisoner Transport and Custody
4. Court Hearings/Araiguments
G. Injured, Intoxicated, Highly-A gitatéd, Chemically Subdued Prisoners

: :
GO 305, Page 8 of 9
0.305, Prisoner Transport and Custody
Hi, Escapes
1. Any escape shall be immediately reported to the communtcations center

together with a complete description of the fugitive, mode and direction of
travel, ctine, weapons used/possessed and propensity for violence if known,
2, The Officer in Charge (OIC) wilt be immediately notified by the

communications center of the escape,
GO 305, Page 9 of 9
GO 306, Juvenile Detentions

GENERAL ORDER
Subject: Juvenile Detentions
Accreditation Ref: 50.4
Reevaluation | 92/05 Amended 10/04 | 02/05 | 05/05
306.1 Purpose
The purpose of this General Order is to provide members of the Town of Ramapo Police
Department with guidance when detaining a juvenile.
306.2 Policy
The United States Congress enacted the JJIDPA- The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Prevention Act in 1974. The act outlines various requirements regarding the custody of
juveniles. In addition the New York State Family Court Act as well as the New York State
Penal law contains provisions related to juvenile detention. It is the policy of the
Department to process juveniles in a manner consistent with the core provisions! of
the
JIDPA as well as New York State Law.
306.3 Definitions
A, Adult Jail- A locked facility administered by law enforcement or correctional

agencies, Adult jails are used to detain adults (those 16 years of age and older)
charged with violating criminal law pending trial, convicted adult criminal offenders
sentenced generally for no more than one year and convicted adult criminal offenders
waiting transfer to a staie prison.
B. Adult Lockup- Similar to an adult jail except that it is a municipal police temporary
holding facility that does not hold persons after they have been formally charged or
convicted, except while awaiting remandment to an Adult Jail. The jail cells and the
“holding cell” located at Ramapo Police He O are Adult Lockups,
Deinstitutionalization of Status Offenders, Sight and Sound Separation of Juveniles from Adult Offenders,
Removal of Juveniles from Adult Jails and Lockups.
GO 306, Page 1 of 6
C. Designated Felony Act- As provided in Family Court Act § 301.2(8), certain acts
committed by a juvenile, which if done by an adult, would constitute one of the
Jelonies listed therein.
D. Juvenile Delinquent- A person over 7 years of age and less than 16 years of age who
commits an act that, if committed by an adult, would constitute a crime.
E. Juvenile Offender- As defined in Penal Law § 10.00 (18), a person between the ages of
13 and 15 who is criminally responsible for certain felony acts listed therein.
F, Non-Secure Detention Facility- a facility characterized by the absence of, physically

restricting construction, hardware and procedures.
G. Secure Detention Facility- a facility characterized by physically restricting

construction, hardware and procedures.
HL. Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) - The agency responsible for the
maintenance of state facilities for the detention of juveniles committed to its care.
I Status Offender- a juvenile who is in police custody for conduct that would not be
criminal if committed by an adult. This includes PINS and Runaways.
J. Person-in-Need of Supervision (PINS)- A person less than 18 years of age who is

truant or incorrigible, or who is ungovernable or habitually disobedient and beyond
the lawful control of a parent or other authority, or who is in possession of marijuana
and is deemed to. be in need of supervision or treatment as prescribed by the Family
Court.
K. Runaway- a runaway is a person less than 18 years of age who has run away from
home or a legal authority charged with his/her custody, such as an OCFS Detention
Facility.
I. JIDPA- The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, 42 U.S.C. § 5601,
5633 (11-13)
306.4 General Procedures
A. Whenever a juvenile is detained as a juvenile delinquent or a juvenile offender, the

incident report narrative should reflect the youth’s condition (e.g. appeared normal,
under the influence of alcohol, etc.), location of contact and detention if any, to whom
the juvenile was released, and other pertinent facts. The word “Youth” is to appear at
the top portion of the report so as to be easily recognizable as a Juvenile Report.
(Amended 10/2004 — eliminates the Juvenile Contact Card).
1. In serious matters a supervisor may designate a detective assigned to the Youth
Bureau to the case.
B. Juvenile Detainment Records
1. All records of detainment of juveniles shall be maintained in the Juvenile Bureau

in a secure manner.
GO 306, Page 2 of 6
C. Determining the name and age of a Juvenile
L. If there are any questions or concerns as to the name or age of a potential juvenile,
officers should avoid placing him/her in an adult jail or adult lockup until a
correct age is verified. To accomplish such verification, the following should be
done:
Check on previous juvenile records or files in the Juvenile Bureau.
Bases Attempt to call the parents or legal guardians of the juvenile.
Check with school officials for the name and age verification.
Use any other reliable sources in the community to determine name and
age verification.
Any detainment of a juvenile in the cell or holding cell, even if caused by

mistake, inaccurate records or a false statement of age, must be reported to the
the New York State Commission of Correction, Department of Corrections,
4 Tower Place, Albany, New York 12203, using the “NYS Record of Juvenile
Detention” form. A contact phone number for questions is
3. Any juvenile detained shall be kept separate from adults.
306.5 Juvenile Delinquents
A. General Procedures
1. Upon taking a juvenile into custody, where said child is involved in or charged
with a delinquent act or a designated felony, the parent(s), legal guardian, or
person legally responsible for the juvenile must be notified immediately that the
juvenile is in custody. In the event such legally responsible person in unavailable,
notice must be given to any person with whom the juvenile resides that the
juvenile has been taken into custody.
In the case of an accused juvenile delinquent, after making every reasonable effort
to give the above notice, officers shall:
a. Take the juvenile to Family Court;
b. Take the juvenile for questioning to an OCA (Office of Chief Administrator of
the Courts)-approved juvenile questioning room or the child’s residence;
c. Release the juvenile to the custody of his/her parents or other person legally
responsible for their care upon the issuance of a Family Court appearance
ticket to the juvenile and to whose person’s custody the juvenile is released; or
d. Take the juvenile to an OCFS certified juvenile detention facility.
3, In any case where the parent(s), legal guardians, person responsible, relatives,
friends, neighbors, etc., are unavailable, the officer should contact the Department
of Social Services or Child Protective Services.
7FCA § 304.1
GO 306, Page 3 of 6
B. OCA-Approved Juvenile Questioning Room
1. A room known as a “juvenile questioning room” is to be used for the questioning

of alleged juvenile delinquents. This room is designated and approved by the
Chief Administrator of the Courts.
a. The juvenile offices on the east side of police HQ have been designated
as a “juvenile questioning room”;
b. A separate entrance exists to this area and is to be used to minimize
public exposure and mingling with adult detainees;
c. A separate toilet facilities for children is located opposite the entrance
to the “juvenile questioning room” to ensure the privacy and safety of
the child when in use;
d. A person will be in attendance with the child whenever the room is in
use as a questioning facility, such person to be a female police officer
when the child is a female, until or unless a parent/guardian
accompanies the female juvenile. (amended 02/05)
C. Placement in an adult jail or lockup
1, The Family Court Act! requires the approval of the OCFS prior to the jailing or
lockup placement of alleged juveniles or adjudicated juvenile delinquents. OCFS
has established regulations that it will apply in determining whether approval for
such jail placement will be granted.
Approval for jail placement may be requested by calling OCFS at

HBB his telephone line is available 24/7. Placement must first be approved by
OCES.
Approval for jail placement may be granted when no bed is available in a Secure
Juvenile Detention Facility, including a 48-hour holdover facility that has a bed
available to provide secure detention care. A bed may also be deemed
unavailable in the following emergency situations’:
a. When road conditions have been defined by the National Weather
Service as hazardous;
b. When the time in transporting to and from that facility would make it
impractical (considering the health and welfare of the youth) to ensure
a timely court appearance; or
c. When a child needs secure care in a hospital and no children’s ward is
available.
A juvenile under 14 years of age, with the exception of a 13 year old alleged or
convicted juvenile offender, may not be placed in jail.
Any detainment of a juvenile deliquent in an adult jail or lockup for more than six
hours, even with OCFS approval may still technically be a violation of the JIDPA
and must be reported to the Commissioner of Correction.
322 NYCRR § 205.20

4 § 304.1(2)
5 As set forth in 9 NYCRR 180.16
GO 306, Page 4 of 6
306.6 Juvenile Offenders
A. General Provisions
1. Upon taking a juvenile offender into custody, where said child is involved in or
charged with a designated felony, the parent(s), legal guardian, or person legally
responsible for the juvenile must be notified immediately that the juvenile is in
custody. In the event such legally responsible person in unavailable, notice must
be given to any person with whom the juvenile resides that the juvenile has been
taken into custody.
2. After making every reasonable effort to give the above notice, officers shall:
a. Take the juvenile to a local criminal court for arraignment;
b. Take the juvenile for questioning to an OCA-approved juvenile
questioning room; or
c. Take the juvenile to an OCFS certified juvenile detention facility.
3. In any case where the parent(s), legal guardians, person responsible, relatives,
friends, neighbors, etc., are unavailable, the officer should contact the Department
of Social Services or Child Protective Services.
B. OCA-Approved Juvenile Questioning Room

1. See 306.5 -B above
C. Placement in an adult jail or lockup
1. See 306.5 -C above
306.7 Status Offenders (PINS and Runaways, etc.)
A. General Provisions
1. NY State Law prohibits the detainment of status offenders in any jail,

lockup, or other place used for adults. In addition, it should be noted that
this statute, unlike that for juvenile offenders and delinquents, does NOT allow an
exception for OCFS approval to hold status offenders in and adult facility,
B. Custody by a Police Officer
1. In the case of police custody of a “person in need of supervision” (PINS), Family

Court Act section 724 first requires an officer to immediately notify the parent or
other person legally responsible for the juvenile of such custody.
2. After making every reasonable effort to give such notice (PINS), an officer, in the
absence of special circumstances, may release the juvenile to the custody of a
parent or legal guardian upon the written promise of such parent or guardian that
the juvenile will be produced before the Lead Agency at a specific time and
place®, (amended by legislation 05/05)
5 FCA § 724 - Lead Agency shall be determined by the County Executive and may be either the Probation
Department or the Department of Social Services
GO 306, Page 5 of 6
2. If special circumstances exist’, then an officer may either;

a. take the juvenile to Family Court;
b. take the juvenile to a facility designated by the Chief Administrator of
the Courts for questioning (approved OCA juvenile questioning room);
or
c Deliver the juvenile to a juvenile detention facility operated by the New
York State OCFS.
3. In the case of a runaway juvenile, the juvenile is to be returned to their parents or

other legally responsible person. If unable to do so or if it is unsafe to return the
child to the home, then the officer is permitted to take the juvenile to afacility
approved for that purpose by the Office of Children and Family Services’,
(amended by legislation 05/05)
C. OCA-Approved Juvenile Questioning Room

I. See 306.5 —D above
D, Placement in an adult jail or lockup
1. The Family Court Act’ prohibits the detainment of any status offender in an adult
jail or lockup. Unlike the corresponding provisions for juvenile offenders and
delinquents, there is NO authority for OCFS to grant approval for the temporary
detainment of a status offender in an adult jail or lockup.
TECA § 724
® FCA §718-B
9 FCA § 720(1)
GO 306, Page 6 of 6
“GO 307, Strip & Body Cavity Searches

GENERAL ORDER
Subject: Strip & Body Cavity Searches :
Accreditation Ref:
Reevaluation | Amended
307.1 Purpose
Itis the purpose of this policy to provide officers with guidelines for determining if and
under what conditions the use of sirip searches and body cavity searches are legally
permissible and to establish guidelines for the appropriate conduct of such searches,
307.2 Policy
This Department recognizes that the use of strip searches and body cavity searches may,
under certain conditions, be necessary to protect the safety of officers, civilians, other
prisoners, and the arrestee him/herself: to detect and secure evidence of criminal activity
and to safeguard the security, safety, and related interests of this agency’s prisoner
holding and detention facilities. Recognizing the intrusiveness of these searches on
individual privacy, it is the policy of this Depattment that such searches shall be
conducted only with proper authority and justification, with due recognition and deference
for the human dignity of those being searched and in accordance with procedural
guidelines for conducting such searches as set forth in this policy.
307.3 Definitions
A. Sitip Search: Search of an individual requiring the removal or rearrangement of

clothing to permit the visual inspection of areas normally considered private areas,
(e.g., areas that would be normally covered by a person’s undergarments), and/or the
adjustment of any part of the human body to permit a visual inspection,
B. Body Cavity Search: Search involving the internal physical examination of body
cavities and, in some instances, organs such as stomach cavity.
GO 307, Page 1 of 3
GO 307, Strip & Body Cavity Searches
1, For the purposes of this General Order, the mere visual inspection
of a persons
mouth and tongue area is not considered to be a body cavity search
. Officers are
Permitted to remove contraband and/or weapons located in this manner to
safeguard the secutity, safety, and related interests of this agency’s priso
ner
holding and detention facilities,
a. The swallowing of contraband by an arrestee would advance to regulat

ions
outlined under “Body Cavity Searches” contained within this order.
307.4 Procedures,
A. Strip Searches.
1, Strip searches may only be conducted where the officer has reasonable
suspicion
that the arrestee is concealing weapons or other contraband, Reasonable
suspicion
must be individualized, and may be based upon, but is not limited to,
one or more
of the following criteria:
the nature of the offense charged;

me op
the arrestee’s appearance and demeanor;

the circumstances surrounding the arrest;
the arrestee’s criminal record, particularly past crimes of violence and narcotic
offenses;
e. the discovery of evidence of a major offense in plain view ot in the course of
search incident to the arrest;
f. detection of suspicious objects beneath the suspect’s clothing during a field
seatch incident to arrest.
2. Where articulable, reasonable suspicion exists to conduct a strip search, the

arresting officer shall request approval from a supervisory officer, clearly defining
the basis for suspicion. Such actions, including a description of the suspicion
shall
be recorded in the related incident report,
a Field strip searches of suspects shall be conducted only in the rarest of

circumstances under exigent circumstances where the life of officers or
others may be atrisk. : -
3. It shall be the policy of this Department that strip searches, when authorized, shall
be conducted by an officer or matron of the same sex as the suspect,
B. Body Cavity Searches, Should visual examination of a suspect during a strip search
:
and/or other information lead an officer to believe that the suspect is concealing a
weapon, evidence or contraband within a body cavity, the following procedures shall
hm
be followed:
1, The officer shall consult with his/her immediate supervisor and Assistant District
Attorney to determine whether probable cause exists to seek a search warrant for a
body cavity search. The decision to seek a search warrant shall recognize that a
body cavity search is highly invasive of personal privacy and is reasonable only
where the suspected offense is of a serious nature and/or poses a threat to the
GO 307, Page 2 of 3
GO 307, Strip & Body Cavity Searches
safety of officers or others, and/or the security of the Department’s detention
operations,
a An officer/matron must personally watch the detainee to prevent the

removal and/or destruction of contraband until a warrant is obtained,
. Ifprobable cause exists for a body cavity search, an affidavit for search warrant
shail be prepared that clearly defines the nature of the alleged offense and the basis
for the officer’s probable cause.
» On the basis ofa search warrant, a body cavity search shall be performed only by a
physician or by other medically teained personnel at the physician’s direction,
. For safety and security reasons, the search should be conducted at the
Department's detention facility however, if it is necessary to telocate to a medical
or other facility, all necessary security measures shall be taken,
» Body cavity searches shall be performed with due recognition of privacy and
hygienic concerns previously addressed in this policy.
. Whenever possible, the body cavity search shall be performed in the presence ofa
police officer or matron. : .
a, The police officer or matron shall be of the same sex as the suspect,
Such actions taken shall be recorded in the related incident report,
GO 307, Page 3 of 3
nig XE GO 308, Medical Facilities for Prisoners

GENERAL ORDER
General Order No. 308 Issuance Date: June 28, 2002
Subject: Medical Facilities for Prisoners
Cross Reference: Effective Date: July 11, 2002
Accreditation Ref:
Reevaluation Amended
308.1 Purpose
The choice of a medical facility for prisoners in the custody of the Department must be
established prior to the need for medical care. Securing prisoners in medical facilities is
one of the weakest links in the process of providing security for the detention of persons
in custody. The purpose of this regulation is to establish policy and provide guidelines
for members of the Town of Ramapo Police Department for selecting medical facilities
incidental to arrest,
308.2 Policy
It is the policy of the Town of Ramapo Police Department to provide appropriate medical
cate to those who are arrested and held in the custody of the Town of Ramapo Police
Department, It is the policy of the Department to follow the following procedure.
308.3 Procedures
A, Initial Medical Evaluations
1, Members shall advise paramedics and EMT’s of our preference to use

for medical care.
2. If medical staff indicates a need to go to another medical facility then the
following policy shall take effect. :
B. Initial Medical Facility
1. Unless directed otherwise by paramedics or EMT’s caring for a person in

the custody of the Department, all prisoners shall be transported
for treatment.
GO 308, Page 1 of 2
GO 308, Medical Facilities for Prisoners
Secondary Medical Facili

i, Should not be available for some reason,
prisoners shall be taken to
Re
1. Tn the event a prisoner must be transported outside of Rockland County,
they shall be transported to
whenever possible.
Extraordinary Circumstances
1, Once a prisoner has been transported to a local medical facility and the
need for a transfer occurs for medical reasons, they shall be transferred to
2. If the attending medical doctor indicates that!

cannot attend to the needs of the prisoner, then a supervisor shall:
a. re-emphasize the policy of the Department to utilize
as asecure medical facility;
b. _ ascertain the reason why EE cannot be
used;
c. —_iftime permits, contact ET ond confirm
the information that the medical doctor is providing;
d. if time permits, arraign the prisoner so that they may be TOT the
Rockland County Sheriff's Office; and,
e notify the staff duty officer of the situation.
Arraignments
1 Ifa prisoner is going to be admitted to a medical facility they shall be
artaigned at the facility ASAP.
Safety and Security

Whenever a prisoner is in the care of a medical facility they shall be
guarded by at least HME at all times.
a. supervisors are authorized to add an additionalofficer(s) as the
situation warrants.
2. _ All prisoners shall be sccured [I when at all
possible.
3. No visitors will be permitted at the medical facility while the prisoner is in
the custody of the Department.
a. supervisors may permit an attorney retained by the prisoner to
‘speak with them via phone, or in pexson with an officer present.
4, The officer shall not accept any packages, food, clothing, etc on the behalf
of the prisoner,
5. Officers are not to leave the prisoner unattended at any time, If an officer
needs to leave the a’ they must
6. The officer shall accompany the prisoner for any medical exams and or
testing. Officers may use their discretion in staying directly outside the
door of X-rays or intrusive personal medical exams
1 Related prisoner custody procedures can be found in [GO 305].
GO 308, Page 2 of2
GO 309, Bomb Threats

GENERAL ORDER

Subject: (Bomb Threats
Cross Reference: GO 310 Effective Date: June 1, 1999
Reevaluation | 02/06 Amended 06/06
309.1 Purpese
To provide members of the Department with a protocol for dealing with bomb threats,
including response, deployment, search and evacuation.
309.2 Policy
While many bomb threats are later determined to be hoaxes, they all present particularly
serious response requirements for law enforcement agencies. It is the policy of this
Department that ali responses to bomb threats be conducted systematically, efficiently and
in a manner that gives primary consideration to the protection of human life.
309.3 Definition
Bomb Threat — A bomb threat condition exists when an explosive device has been
reported or is suspected to be at a given location.
309.4 Procedures
In the event a suspected bomb or a suspicious package is present or discovered, refer

immediately to General Order 310.
A. Communications Responsibilities.
1. Keep the caller on the line as long as possible.
2. Identify the location of the device with as much precision as possible and attempt
to determine when it will be detonated.
GO 309, Page 1 of 4
3. Attempt to determine:
a. What the device looks like;
b. the type of bomb;
c. what will make it detonate, (e.g., radio, signal, fuse, etc.); and
d. why it was placed.
4. Be alert to the:
a. exact wording of the threat;
b. estimate of sex, race, age of the caller;
c. character of caller’s voice; and
d. nature of any background noises.
Note: In the event the threat is directed against a location not covered by this
Department in a primary response capacity
communications personnel shall immediately notify that agency and then advise the
patrol supervisor.
B. Radio Communicator Dispatch Responsibilities,
1. Advise the responding patrol units of the nature of the call, preferably via
telephone. REMIND RESPONDING
Pe UNITS:
2. Ensure the patrol supervisor has been advised.
3. Prepare a bomb threat checklist and forward to the investigating officer as soon as
possible. (See appendix A, “Telephone Bomb Threat Report Form” )
C. Patrol Officer’s Responsibilities.
a
1. Respond to the reported location in quiet but expeditious mode.
3. Attempt to interview anyone who may have received the threat at the reported
location, (Schools and some businesses have bomb threat checklist forms).
4. The BIE of the iocation ultimately decides evacuation of a facility. If

asked, Department policy is to recommend evacuation.
GO 309, Page 2 of 4
5, Inthe event the location is a school, the IE ultimately

decides evacuation of the facility. [Amended 6/2006]
6. IF EVACUATION IS BEING CONDUCTED, PEOPLE SHOULD BE MOVED

AWAY FROM THE BUILDING AND NOT INTO
a
. Patrol Supervisor’s Responsibilities.
1, Respond to the location. Based upon the nature of the threat,
2, ee
3. The responsibility to search, evacuate and re-enter a building is solely that of the
person in charge of the location however, should a suspicious device be
discovered,
4, In the event a person in charge refuses to conduct a search, no further action by

this Department is required with the exception of filing a standard incident report
and completing any follow-up investigation.
5. Confirm that, if an evacuation is in progress, people are moved at least
6. The fire departments do not, as a matter of course, respond to bomb “threat” calls
and will not assist in a search of a location. In the event a device is found or
strongly suspected, the fire department should be dispatched to a staging area and
should not use radios or cell communications while responding.
7. Ifmembers of the Police Department conduct a search of the location, consider the
following:
a,
b.
GO 309, Page 3 of 4
GO 309, Page 4 of 4
GO 310, Bomb/Suspicious Packages

GENERAL ORDER
Subject: Botib/Suspicious Packages ;
Cross Reference: GO 309 Effective Date: June 1, 1999
310.1 Purpose
To provide members of the Department with a protocol for dealing with potential bombs
and/or suspicious packages, including response, deployment, assistance of specialized
units and the protection of a crime scene.
310.2 Policy
It is the policy of this Department that all responses to a suspected explosive device or a
suspicious package are considered police emergencies requiring a serious and disciplined
response. This Department will respond in a systematic, safe and efficient manner that
gives primary consideration to the protection of human life.
310.3 Definition
Bomb Emergency -- A bomb emergency exists when a suspected/actual explosive device

or a suspicious package exists under a circumstance that warrants extreme caution. In the
event that a device has already detonated prior to police response it shall also be
considered a bomb emergency.
310.4 Procedures
A. Communications Responsibilities.
1. When a member of the ECC receives a report of a suspected explosive device or a

suspicious package, he/she shall:
a. Attempt to obtain a detailed description of the device and its location.
b. Advise the caller that NO ONE IS TO TOUCH, DISTURB, OR MOVE A

SUSPECTED DEVICE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
GO 310, Page 1 of3

c. Advise caller to evacuate the area immediately. Lights and equipment are to
be left untouched and an should move at least ——
(Most actual detonations occur outside buildings and many times secondary
devices may be placed outside to kill/injure emergency responders).
e. Contact patrol units and advise them of the nature and location of the call
using the proper radio codes and encryption transmission mode when
Calls necessary and within a perimeter shall be made via landlines.
f. Notify a patrol supervisor in the same manner as (e) above.
B. Patrol Officer Responsibilities.
1. Respond in a quiet and expeditious manner.
2. Upon arrival at location, patrol officers are cautioned that the [ should be
considered unsafe for evacuation or for the officer and other responding units.
If a suspicious device or package is present, the police shall order a mandatory

evacuation if such has not already occurred.
Prevent people from re-entering the danger zone.
5. Do not permit anyone to touch, move or interfere with suspect device.
6. Follow directions of the Patrol Supervisor.
C. Patrol Supervisor Responsibilities.
1. Respond to scene expeditiously and quietly.
2. Establish a command post at least IE away from the scene.
Upon arrival, announce to the ECC, “401, THIS IS (Car No.), [HAVE
COMMAND.” (Command may be transferred to another at the direction of a
higher ranking officer).
Consider the [TT to location to be unsafe for emergency

operations.
GO 310, Page 2 of3

Request the Fire Department and EMS respond to the Command Post. The fire
department will not assist in any way with the examination of the suspect device
and will stand-by only to provide rapid response in the event of a detonation.
If the presence of an actual device or suspected device has been confirmed, direct
the notification of a bomb investigations unit by referencing the Department
Incident Command System Field Manual.
Alert all personnel to be cautious regarding the possibility that a secondary device
may be present.
Contact the Staff Duty Officer and advise them of the status of the incident.
10. Upon arrival of the Bomb Squad, brief the unit supervisor and allow him/her
functional authority to direct department personnel in any manner necessary to
accomplish the mission.
11. Once a device has been rendered safe or has been removed for disposal, keep the
area secured for crime scene investigation.
12. Confer with the owner/operator of the location and the emergency response units
regarding a joint statement to be made to the media.
IF A DEVICE HAS DETONATED PRIOR TO POLICE ARRIVAL ASSUME THAT

THERE MAY BE A SECONDARY DEVICE PRESENT.
D. Patrol Officers/Supervisor Responsibilities.
1, Treat and protect the area involved as an expanded Haz/Mat crime scene.
2. Recognize that critical bits of evidence can be scattered within several thousand
feet of the scene.
. Supervisor to make notifications as described above.

aN
. Coordinate regarding a response to the media.
Assist with follow-up investigation.
GO 310, Page3 of3

GO 311, Traffic Stops

_ GENERAL ORDER |
Subject: Traffic Stops ‘
Cross Reference; GO 313 & 414 — Effective Date: September 20, 2002
Accreditation Ref: 47,1 & 47.2 :
Distribution: Al Members — Rescinded Date:
Issuing Authority: Chiof Peter Brower
Pee rr
311.1 Purpose
‘The purpose of this policy

is to provide guidelines when stopping motor vehislss,
. BAD Policy
The safety of the officer(s) and civilians
at the scene ofa traffic stop are paramount,
Officers are encouraged to be proactive in thelr efforts, Trafficstops must be in
accordance with the dictates of the U.S. and N.Y, State Constitutions and case law. Lawful
stops will protect officers from unwarranted accusations of misconduct, Officers shall
use discretion and either issus the violator a waning , a Uniform Traffic Ticket (U.I.T.), or
effect an attest whichaver is applicable. In all cases, the citizen is to be treated fairly and
professionally, :
3113 Procedures
A. Goneral
1, ‘The basis for a traffic stop is generally the personal observations by the officer of
violation(s), suspicious or unsafo activity by a motorist. In addition probable
cause to believe the motorist or occupants of the vehicle have committed or are
aboutto commita crime is a basts for e vehicle stop.
a, Officers must he guided by the totality of the circumstatices, experience, and -
ourrent awa, ‘
GO 31], Page 1 of6

GO311, Traffic Stops’ -
2, The stopping of a motorist constitutes a seizure (4 Amendment), Itis achance for °
the Departmentto make # favorable or an unfavorable impression on. oltizen,
depenonding how the officer handl the situation,
es ,
2, Officers should strive to maintain a proper batance between sufficient
- command presence to maintain conteol of the stop, and an attitude of fairness,
3, The following steps in stopping and epproachinga stopped motoriet, hereinafter

referred to as a violator, are intended
to provide moxlinum safety
for the officer, the
violator, and other users of the roadways. Varying conditions regarding the
enigineeting of the partioular traffic way, the urgency fo stop the violator (DWI), and
the existing volume of traffic may require adjustitig or altering the recommended:
B. Vehiole
and traffic violations
1, Enforce vehicle and traffic laws in a fair and unifonn manner.
2. Take proper and appropriate action, This action should favorably alter the violatat’s
future driving behavior,
3. Officers are encouraged, when completing reports or doing other activities

which will keep them out of service for a short while,to park thelr patrol
vehicles in a conspicuous fooatton where the mero presenos of the vehicle
will serve to remind the other divers ofthe nead for complian
with traffic
ce
laws. . .
C. Traffic Stops
1, Boforesmient procedures should minimize conflicts, which may develop

between an officer and a violator, Officers should be remain aware of the
violator’s mental and physical condition during the stop.
2, Violatar/Officer Relations ,
a Be alert at all times forthe unexpected. Look for evidence ofa more serious
crime, :
b, Present a professional image in dress, grooming, language, and bearing,
©, Be prepared for the contact. st .
3, Before Making a Vehicle Stop

®. Maintain a reasonable dlstance between the vehicle and the police unit.
‘ b, Lopate a safe spot'to stop the vehicle,
GO 311,
Page 2 of 6 -
¢, Activate the patrol car’s emergency lights and, when necessary, siren to signal
the vehtole to stop.
i, ifthe stop is during non-daylighthours, the violator’s
interior of the vehicle should be illuminated, after it is stopped,
ii, Utilize the spodlight and take down lights for this purpose.
iil, Officers may use their disoretion whento extinguish the lights.
d, Advise the dispatcher of the intentionto stopthe partloular vehicle, giving .
i Location and purpose of the stop (Vé&T, suspicious, etc.)
ii. —_ Vehiole’s license tag number and/or other dasoription when necessary.
Officers should position theit police vehicle approximately one carlength
2
behind the violator’s vehicle, The police vehicle should be positioned so

that it will offer
the officer some protection fom vehicular traffic, .
i, ‘When possible
this position should
be about two feet outside and to the
left of the violator’s vehicle, creating a ‘zone of safety’.
fi, ‘This paition provides maximum safety to the violator,
the officer, and
. > all other traffic,
‘When needed, request a backup unit and calculate the stop so the backup unit is
th
in the immediate area before the actual stop.

» When necessary use the unit's public address system to give the cccupant(s) of
ce
the vehicle instructions, Ot

4, Hazards
* a, On multi-lane roadways, the officer should insure the safety of the violator
during the lane changes by gradually changing from lane to lane with the
violatoruntil the right sido of the roadway is reached, .
b. Should the violator stop abruptly in the wrong fane or in another undesirable
location, the officer shall direct him to move to a safer location, Officers shall
use the public address system to instruct violators to move to a safer location,
5, Approaching the Motor Vehicle/Violator
a. The officer shalf leave the patrol vehiole and be continuously alert for any
suspicious movement or actions on the part of the violator or other occupants in
the violator’s vehicle, .
b, The officer shouldapprouch fom
This position
if there are only occupants in the front seat of the vehicle,
i. From this position, the officer can conununicete
with the violator,
dd) NOTE: ‘Dependent upon ciroumstances/preforence a motor

vehiole mey be approached on the passenger's side,
GO 311, Page3 of6

G0311, Traiflc Stops
In cases where
the violator’s car has o1
from this position,

officer can communtoate with the violator and keep all ocoupania in view
4 Caution should bo used if there are occupants
. Case law pertiits officers to order the driver (Pennsylvania v, Mimms, 434 U.S, 106
(1977) aud the passengers (Maryland v, Jerry Lee Wilson (No.95-1268, declded
February 19,1997) of vehicles ontatictops cutof the vehi,
6. Communicating with the Violator
In transacting business with the violator, the officer should:
a Greet the violator courteously with an appropriate title,
6, Inform tho violator of the purpose of the stop,
% Ask the violator for his/her driver's license first, Then obtain the
vehiclo’s registration and proof of insurance,
d, If the driver has no driver's license, obtain another document of
identification if possible,
Retum to the police vehicle and take action as wartanted such ay a DMV
' document check, wanted person check, eto.
7, Conducting the Transaction
a Tesuo and explain U.T.TV/A.T. (Appearanos ticket), if applicable. Explain to
the violator what they are supposed to do in response to the action taken. If
the enforcement action requites a court appearance, meke sure the violator
knows whore and when to appear, Explain any alternatives to the violator,
hut do not predict the actions of the court, Lastly, return the violator’s
documentation,
b Release the defendant, ifapplicable. Ifthe violator is not to be released, be
guided
by Department arrest procedures. ‘
©. Assist
the violator with safely re-entering
the traffic flow. ‘The motorist
should leave bafore the officer. Do not follow the violator.
GO 311, Page 4 of 6
High Risk Motor Vehicle Stops
Special procedures shall be used in vehicle stops when the ccoupants are known to
be armed or/and dangerous. In addition to the aforementioned directives the officer
should:
1, Keep the suspect vehicle in view and request auffictent assistance in making the
stop. Ifnecessary and appropriate request a signal 100,
2, The officer will keep support units and ECC: informed of the location and
direction of travel to ald their approach arrangements with minimal use of
emergency equipment, The suspect vehlole should not be stopped unless
absolutely necessary until adequate support is available and in position,
a. ° Clroumstanoes may, however, dictate a one-officer felony vehicle stop.
3, The officer should plan to stop the suspect vehicle in a'location, which presents
minimal danger to other citizens, .
8, When condition ate approptiate
s and support units available, the officer.
move into position|
shoul d
“4. The officer will signal the violator

to stop, using necessary emergency
equipment to war other traffic,
5. The violator should be stopped on the i

” 6, When the auspect vehicle bagins to atop, the officer should tum off the siren and
tum on the public addeess system, moe
7, The officer should park the police vehiole so that it provides maximum protection
and cover. . .
8. At night, tho officer should MI of the suspect vehicle,

9. The offtcer should rein ain i
Fe
10. The officer making the stop is in command,
+ a. Using the public address system, he/she will direct the occupants
to place
. their hand: Front passengers on the front -
MRR cand roar on te back
. _b. Theof shouldficer
order the driverto siut of tio motor is
Won the roof of the carthough the window.
GO 311, Page 5 of 6
GO311, Traffle Stops
©, The occupants will then be diteotetod They
. will then be ordered to]
d. roach & predeterminesafsd area, they ii

by another officater the scene. .
©. The suspeot will be filsked, and removed ftom the scene.
£ ‘The above procedure will be utilized for each susp in tho
ectvehicle, .
11, Ifa public address system is not available, the officer should give voice
commands if they can be heard, If this fails, theofficer}
to the vehicle, keepi
the occupants
ng in view and maintaining cover, to a,
point where he/she can be heard. .
a, To reduce confusion, the officer will instruct support officers, as
approptlate, and should be the fl officerto direot the suspecis,
12, The support officers will cover

the aneating officer until all ocoupants have been
+ yemoved,
13, Officers ate reminded to oxerolse extreme caution not to get within each other's.
crossfire,
14. When all oconpants have been removed fiom the vehicle, the support officers
shall move toward the vehicle. NEVER assume that it is empty,
15, Arrestees will be searched and handouffed before transportation,
. GO 311, Page 6 of 6
GO 312, Investigatory Stops

GENERAL ORDER
General Order No. 312 Issuance Date: January 1, 2004
Subject: Police-Citizen Contacts and Investigatory Stops
Cross Reference: / Effective Date: January 4, 2004
Accreditation Ref: :
Reevaluation Amenied
This GO rescinds GO 312 (originally 208) issued 9/10/00

312.1 Purpose
The purpose of this General Order is to establish guidelines regarding voluntary fieid
contacts, investigative stops, frisks and protective searches that extend beyond the person
during a lawful stop.
312.2 Policy
It is the policy of the Town of Ramapo Police Department to conduct voluntary field
contacts, investigative stops, frisks and searches necessary to accomplish lawful
objectives to the extent reasonably necessary. Documeniation of these contacts
shall be initiated and maintained,
312.3 Definitions
A. “Voluntary Field Contact”: When officers approach a person to talk and ask questions
or ask a person for identification.
B. “Investigatory Stop”: Temporary detention of a subject when the officer has

reasonable suspicion that criminal activity has occurred, is occurring, or is about to
occur.
C. “Reasonable Suspicion”: Facts and circumstances which, taken together with rational
inferences there from, would cause an officer to reasonably suspect that a person:
1. (To “stop”)... is, has been, or is about to be involved in ctiminal activity;

2. (To “frisk”),..may be armed and constitute a danger to the officer or other person;
and;
3., (To “frisk” or “search” other areas)..,the area within immediate control and access
ofa person which may contain weapons and that the person may use those
weapons against the officer.
GO 312, Page 1 of 6
D. “Probable Cause”: Facts and circumstances which, taken together with rational
inferences there from would lead a prudent person to believe:
1, (To arrest)....that a crime is being or has been committed and that a particular
person committed it; or
2. (To search)....that evidence of a crime or contraband is in the place to be
searched.
E, “Frisk”: The “pat-down” of a person’s outer clothing for a weapon.
312.4 Voluntary Field Contacts
A. Grounds for Citizen Contacts.
1, An officer may initiate citizen contacts when the officer believes that it may serve
the interest of a police investigation, inquiry or other bona fide police business.
2. An officer may initiate a citizen contact without probable cause, reasonable

suspicion or other indication of criminal activity by the citizen when officers
adhere to provisions of this policy.
B. Initiation of Citizen Contacts,
1. Officers may initiate a citizen contact in any place that the officer has a legal right
to be. Examples of such places vary widely but include for example:
a, areas intended for public use or normally exposed to public view;

b places to which the officer has been admitted with the consent of the person "
empowered to give such consent;
c, places to which the officer may be admitted pursuant to a court order (such as
an arrest or search warrant);
d, places where the circumstances require an immediate law enforcement
presence to protect life, well-being or property; and
& places in which the officer may make a lawful warrant less arrest.
C. Conducting Voluntary Field Contacts.
Officers conducting voluntary field contacts should consider the following factors that
ate relevant in determining whether a particular encounter between police and citizens
is consensual or a Fourth Amendment seizure:
1, Physical Contact — The slightest application of physical force for the purpose of
stopping or holding a person may constitute a seizure,
2. Display of Weapons — The display of weapons is inherently coercive and is

generally interpreted by citizens as compelling compliance. Thus, pointing
firearms or threatening their use may transform the voluntary field contact into an
investigative stop.
GO 312, Page 2 of 6
3. Advising Citizens They Have The Right To Refuse — Officers should advise
citizens they have a right to refuse to consent to a search or frisk, or to answer
questions, or accompany officers to a different location. This helps keep the
contact voluntary. When appropriate, officers should advise citizens why they
have been stopped.
4, Movement From The Initial Site of the Contact — Officers should avoid moving
from the initial site of the contact to another location unless there are articulable
safety or security reasons. If the officer moves from the initial contact location,
officers should document that the citizen had a choice to leave and voluntarily
agreed to the movement.
5. Interfere With Freedom of Movement - The manner in which officers’ position

themselves or their vehicles and the extent to which they block a citizen’s pathway
or freedom of movement may communicate to the citizen that they are not free to
leave.
6. Number of Officers — A number of officers surrounding a citizen may

communicate that the citizen is not ftee to leave. Thus, where officer safety is not
jeopardized, an encounter is more likely to be deemed consensual if the backup
officers stay in the background.
7. Demeanor and Appearance — An officer’s use of coercive or intimidating language

may be interpreted by a citizen as compelling compliance.
8. Retention of Personal Property - Although officers may request to examine a

person’s identification and ask questions about any discrepancies, such property
should not be unreasonably retained.
. Citizen Contact Protocol.
1. Persons “contacted” may not be detained against their will or frisked unless
reasonable suspicion is established during the course of the contact to believe they
present a danger to the officer or that they have committed, ate committing or are
about to commit a crime.
2. Officers should ensure that their actions and requests could not be reasonably
perceived by the cifizen as a restraint on his or her freedom to leave the officer’s
presence. As such, officers should do the following.
Introduce themselves and explain the reason for making the contact.
gS
Act in a courteous and restrained manner.

Establish rapport.
Keep the duration of the contact as brief as possible.
eae
Not create a physical or other barrier to the citizen’s ability to leave, such as
keeping a driver’s license or by creating a physically imposing and
intimidating presence.
GO 312, Page 3 of6

3. If citizens ask whether they must respond to questions or must remain in the
officer’s presence, they should be appropriately informed.
Refusal of the citizen to cooperate with the officer, for example, through silence
(¢.g., not answering questions), by a refusal to provide personal identification, or
by a refusal to account for his or her presence ina public place, generally cannot
be used as the basis for turning the “contact” into a “stop.”
Officers do not violate an individual’s Fourth Amendment rights ifthey merely

approach a person and ask if that petson is willing to answer some questions, or if
they put questions to a person who is willing to listen, An individual's voluntary
answers to such questions may be offered in evidence in a criminal prosecution.
312.5 Investigative Stop, Frisk and Search beyond the Person
A law enforcement officer may temporarily detain a person ina public place if reasonable
suspicion exists that a crime has been committed, is being committed, or is about to be
committed; or the officer reasonably suspects that a person is illegally cartying a
concealed weapon in violation of the NYS Penal Law. Temporary detention is a seizure
under the Fourth Amendment!, The court recognized that police officers must be able to
take action when probable cause to arrest does not exist.
A. Investigative Stop ~The temporary detention of a subject when the officer has
reasonable suspicion that criminal activity has occurred, is occurring, or is about to
occur,
1. The courts have ruled that the following factors may be considered in building a
foundation for an Investigate Stop: ,
a, The officer has valid knowledge that a person has a prior felony record,
b, A person fits the description of a wanted notice.
G A person has exhibited furtive conduct such as attempting to conceal an
object from the officer’s view or, reaching under the seat of a car.
d. Clothing worn by a person is similar to a description given in a lookout for
a known offender,
e. A person exhibits unusual behavior such as staggering or appearing to be
in need of medical attention,
f. The area and time of day, such as a person observed in a public area which
has a history of recurring crime during the same time period as the time of
the stop.
g Hearsay information is acceptable.
(1) The use of hearsay information is dependent upon both the content
of information possessed by officers and its degree of reliability.
' US Supreme Court-1968 case of Terry v. Ohio 392, U.S. 1

GO 312, Page 4 of6
B. Frisk Ifan officer believes that a person may be armed and constitutes a danger to the
officer or other person, the officer may conduct a limited seatch of the person’s outer
clothing. The courts have held that, in the case where the subject was wearing a heavy
“overcoat, the officer was proper in having the subject rémove the coat so that the
subject may be patted down.
C. Search Beyond the Person — The courts recognized that protection of police and
others can justify protective search when there exists reasonable suspicion that the
suspect poses a danger”, Thus, an officer can search an area within the petson’s reach
where a weapon may be found. A lawful protective search for weapons, which
extends to an area beyond the person in the absence of probable cause to attest, must
have ALL of the following elements present:
1, A lawful investigative stop of a person,
2. Reasonable suspicion that the suspect poses a danger, defined as®
“.. Specific and articulable facts, which taken together with the rational inferences
fom those facts, reasonably warranted the officer to believe that the suspect is
dangerous and the suspect may gain immediate control of weapons.”
3, The search must be limited to those areas in which a weapon may be placed or
hidden.
4. The search must be limited to an area which would ensure that there are no
weapons within the subject’s immediate grasp.
D. Period of Detention, Courts have held that the period of detention is a brief intrusion
upon a person’s movement, Once the detaining officer determines that the basis for
reasonable suspicion no longer exists, the person detained shall be released.
1, Reasonable suspicion should be reinforced with diligent, active investigation,

Should investigation reveal additional information which strengthens reasonable
suspicion, then the detention period may be continued. If probable cause does not
develop in a reasonable time period, the officer shall immediately release the
person.
Use of Force in Investigative Stops — Generally, officers may use the force reasonably
necessary, such as moderate pressure to stop, tun or guide a subject during an
investigative stop. Officers using force in an investigative stop for officer safety
reasons must be prepared to articulate why their actions were reasonable under the
circumstances,
1. Courts have permitted the following types of force in stopping a person, when the
force was reasonable on the basis of the circumstances in each case:
2U8 Supreme Court- 1983 Michigan v. Long

5 US Supreme Court- 1983 Michigan v. Long
GO 312, Page 5 of6
a. Blocking a suspect’s vehicle with a police cruiser,

b, Pointing the service weapon at a suspect for the officer's protection.
:- Making asuspect lie on the ground:- 2
a Ordering a suspect or other occupant out of a vehicle.
8, Handeuffing a suspect for the officer’s protection.
312.6 Recording the Voluntary Field Contact, Investigative Stops and Frisks
Information obtained as a result of conducting field contacts or investigative stops

can be
fully utilized only if the information is sufficiently recorded and available foranalysis
,
The availability of this information allows gteater efficiency in crime analysis and
criminal investigation and also serves to ensure the proper exercise of law enforcement
authority, as well as enhancing an officer’s ability to reconstruct, at a later time, events
surrounding the field contact of an investigative stop.
A. Daily Activity Report,
The Town of Ramapo Police Department Daily Activity Report shall be the primary
document for recording voluntary field contacis investigative stops and frisks
incidents that do not result in police report of another format.
GO 312, Page 6 of6

GO 313- VTL Violations-Juveniles, Out of State Operators
v7 _ .... Lown of Ramapo Police Department

GENERAL ORDER

Subject: VTL Violations-Juveniles & Out of State Operators
Cross Reference: GO 311 Effective Date: September 20, 2002
Distribution: Ali Members Rescinded Date:
313.1 Purpose
To establish procedures for the handling of juveniles and out of state residents encountered
as a result of a traffic stop by a member of this department.
313.2 Poliey
General Order 311 Traffic Stops outlines policy and procedures for conducting traffic
stops. It shall be the policy of the Department that in addition to the procedures set forth in
[GO 311] the following additional procedures be followed when. stopping juveniles and or
out of state operators.
313.3 Procedures
A, Out of State Operators
1. Bail Procedures
Department of Motor Vehicles advises that out-of-state operators cannot be handled

under the scofflaw provisions for any vehicle and traffic offense that prescribes a
mandatory revocation of the operator's license. This means that for such offenses as
DWI or leaving the scene of an accident, bail must be taken or a commitment made,
Further guidance on bail is found in [GO 606]
B. Juvenile Traffic Violations
1. In most cases of juveniles driving vehicles on public roads, the youth will be taken
to police HQ and his parents will be advised to respond to HQ.
GO 313, Page 1 of2

GO 313- VTL Violations-Juveniles, Out of State Operators
2. Asatule, violations of the V&T law are not sufficient to petition a youth to Family
Court. Repeated conduct, however, may be grounds for a PINS action.
“3, Traflic offenses which are classifiedas misdemeanors

may be sent to Family Court
at the officers discretion.
4, Officers are reminded that parents or guardians are chargeable under the Traffic
Laws if they knowingly permit unlicensed youngsters to drive on the road.
(VTL 509-4)
5. Ifan officer cannot contact a parent, guardian, or responsible adult, he should

contact a supervisor for assistance, (amended 06/16)
6. If the incident is not referred to the Family Court then the incident shall be
documented in the Department’s Records Management System as a “Juvenile
Activity.” (new 06/16)
7. Ifthe incident is referred to the Family Court, then the incident shall be documented
in the Department’s Record Management System as a “Juvenile Arrest.” (ew 06/16)
c, The appropriate phone numbers for both local criminal courts regarding out of state
violators, and the Family Court regarding juveniles are maintained at the Emergency
Communications Center. (new 06/16)
GO 313, Page2 of2

GO 314, High Visibility Clothing
UF Fown-of Ramapo Police. Department. -

GENERAL ORDER
Subject: High Visibility Clothing
Accreditation Ref: 47,3
’ Distribution: All Members — Rescinded Date:
314.1 Purpose
To establish criteria for the use of high visibility clothing by officers of the Town of
Ramapo Police Department.
314.2 Policy
It is the policy of the Department to provide high visibility clothing to officers assigned
to patrol, The use of high visibility clothing enhances the safety of officers and provides
motorists with better visibility of officers on traffic posts, Officers are required to
utilized high visibility clothing in accordance with the procedures set forth,
314.3 Definition
High Visibility Clothing: [New 6/2007]
A Department issued reflective vest or a jacket displaying a bright color or reflective

material such as the reversed side of the Department windbreaker or raincoat.
314.3 Procedure
A. __ Issuance/Replacement of High Visibility Clothing.
1. All officers assigned to patrol will be issued a reflective traffic vest.
2. The Department Quartermaster shall provide replacement traffic vests.
GO 314, Page 1 of 2
GO 314, High Visibility Clothing
... Bu... Use

of High Visibility Clothing.
i. Officers assigned to any regularly scheduled or prolonged traffic control
posts are required to wear Department issued high visibility clothing both
during daylight and after dark hours.
Officers assigned to direct traffic at accidents, traffic light malfunctions,

fires, etc., are requied to wear Department issued high visibility clothing
during after dark hours,
During other times of traffic control, which are short in duration, high
visibility clothing is not required to be wom.
GO 314, Page 2 of2

GO 315, SpeedMeasuring Dev
ices
” "Pown of Rama
po Police Depart
GENERAL ORDER ment
General Order No, 315
Issuance
Date: July 24, 2003
Subject: Speed Measuring Device
s - Guidelines and Maintenance
Crass Refere nce: Effective Date: July 24, 2003
Distribution: All Members
Reseinded Date:
Issuing Authority: Chief Peter Bro
wer
[eet [B08 [oa |
|_ Arena [05 ola
315.1
Lo]
Purpose
To establish the criteria for the deployme

nt and maintenance of speed measurin
in traffic law enforcement, g devices
.
315.2 Policy
Itis the policy of the Town of Ramapo Poli

ce Depa riment to ‘make speed-moasuring
devices available to the Patrol Division
and the Traffic Safety Unit for use in
speed enforcement. vehicular
315.3 Procedure
A. When setting up the speed measurin

g devices, officers must avoid thepote
for power surges to the unit caused by ntial
tuming the vehicle on or off with the
in the ‘on’ position, unit
Upon arriving at a desired ordesignat

ed location, the officer should:
famended 03/14)
L Cheek for propor posting of speed zone

signs;
2 choose a position that does not create
a hazard, but allows easy access to
the roadway;
3 assure that the speed measuring device

is set up properly,
The radar unit's calibration should be

tested prior to, periodically throughout,
_ upon completion of the enforcement and
petlod,
GO 315, Page 1 of3

- ‘ GO 315, Speed Measuring Devices
D. Upon completion of the tour of duty, the officer will ensure that the unit is turned
——==—-—~aff placed into ‘the proper case, arid returned to the design location
ated withitt the
stationhouse,
Po
B. Only officers currently csttified by DCJS/BMP or the New York State Police may
utilize Radar Speed Measuring devices.
Ona semi-annual basis, all Radar equipment shall be independently calibrated by
the Now York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Other speed
measuring devices shall be maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendations.
G. In the event that a speed-measuring device malfunctions, the officer will

immediately take satd unit out of service and notify the supervisor in charge of
maintaining the units, Said officer will also place a note on the unit marking it
out of service including the nature of the malfunction, The supervisor responsible
for maintaining the units shall coordinate the repair of the malfunctioning unit,
315.4 Speed Monitoring Traller (SMT) (ansendet 03/05)

A. The SMT is a device available to assist the department in monitoring speeding
conditions throughout the town.
1, Tae SMT displays a digital read out of the speed ofa vehicle approaching
it, It is large enough to be observed by the driver of an approaching
vehicle, Tho SMT also displays a speed limit sign showing the speed linit
for the road it is set up on, ,
2 ‘The SMT is not used as an enforcement tool, The displayed speed is not
calibrated, nor certified for court puposes,
3 The SMT has 2 number-of uses:

“car” Ttcuncbe used, with its’ on board computer, as a source of
information regarding speed and traffic conditions in a given
location. :
b. Tt can be used as a warning for motorists in a given aren.
G Tt can be used as a public relations tool.
4, Deployment:
a ‘The SMT should be placed in locations where there is a low
probabliity of damage from vehicles and/or mischief,
b. Deployment location shall vary, and will be designated by the
Traffic Safety Unit Supervisor. .
(1) The SMT may be left in locations overnight,
GO 315, Page2 of 3
GO 315, Speed Measuring Devices
2): Location(s) of the SMT will be posted forthe Patrol.

Division. , :
a Only officers trained in the use of the SMT will deploy the units,
(1) Officers deploying the SMT will maintain a logbook that is
focated within the SMT.
5.” Maintenance of SMT:

a, Overall maintenance responsibility rests with the patrol services
supervisor, ‘
b. daily care and maintenance tests with the officers trained in the
use ofthe SMT. - :
e Repairs of the unit shall be made by qualified porsonnel only,
GO 315, Page
3 of 3
GO 316, Mobile Video/Audio Recording Equipment
‘Town-of-Ramapo-Police Department
GENERAL ORDER
General Order No. 316 Issuance Date: July 30, 2005
Subject: Mobile Video/Audio Recording Equipment
Accreditation Ref:
316.1 Purpose
It is the purpose of this order to provide guidelines for the use, management, storage, and
retrieval of video/audio media recorded by the Mobile Video and Audio Recording
(MYR) Equipment.
316.2 Policy
Mobile video/audio recording (MVR) equipment has been demonstrated to be of value in

the prosecution of traffic violations and related offenses, in evaluation of officer
performance as well as in training. The use of an MVR system provides persuasive
documentary evidence and helps defend against civil litigation and allegations of officer
misconduct. In order to maximize the utility of this equipment in these and related areas,
officers shall follow the procedures for MVR equipment use as set forth in this policy.
316.3 Procedures
A. — Program Objectives.
The Town of Ramapo Police Department has adopted the use of in-car
video/audio recording systems in order to accomplish the following:
L To provide an accurate depiction of events for courtroom presentation.
2. To accurately capture statements and events during the course of an

incident.
3. To enhance the officer’s ability to document and review statements and

actions for report purposes and for courtroom preparation.
4, To provide an impartial measurement for sel£-critique, field evaluation,

and training.
GO 316, Page 1 of 5
« oY
5. To be used as an investigative tool to capture visual and audio information

and to further existing and fature investigations.
B. Operating Procedures.
1. MVR Equipment is the responsibility of the officer assigned to that

vehicle in which it is installed. To maintain security for the equipment,
programming and editing access will be limited to those supervisors
designated by the Chief of Police for that purpose. The manufacturer’s
designated technicians will have access to programming for repairs and
maintenance,
At the start of each shift, police officers assigned to a unit containing a

MVR, shall turn the MVR master switch to the on position. Officers shall
determine whether their MVR equipment is working satisfactorily, If at
any time, the MVR Equipment malfunctions, a Department supervisor
shail be notified as soon as reasonably possible.
a Those officers required to prepare a Daily Activity Report, shall

indicate whether or not the MVR was functioning properly, and if
any malfunctions occur during the tour,
MVR equipment will automatically activate when the vehicle's emergency

lights are turned on, if the equipment senses that the vehicle was involved
in a collision, or when the wireless transmitter is activated. In these cases,
the MVR will not deactivate automatically, In order to stop the MVR
from recording, the appropriate button must be depressed on the unit’s
control console. ,
MVR equipment can be manually activated from the unit’s control

console. Provided that safety is not compromised, officers should also
consider the use of MVR equipment to record:
a. the actions of suspects during interviews, when undergoing

sobriety checks including during motor vehicle checkpoint
operations where DWI stops are possible, or when placed in
custody if the recording would prove useful in later judicial
proceedings; ‘
b. the circumstances at crime and accident scenes or other events

such as the confiscation and documentation of evidence or
contraband; and
A any situation or incident that the officer, through training and

experience, believes should be visually and/or audibly recorded.
GO 316, Page 2 of 5
Mandatory Mobile Video and Audio Recording shall apply to the
following situations:
eps on --Traffic:stops; vee ee ante ee
b. Emergency responses;
c Vehicle Pursuits; and
d. Prisoner Transports.
When the MVR equipment is activated to document an event, it shall not

be deactivated until the event has been concluded, Exceptions: Inthe
event of an extended incident, a routine aided case, a detail such as traffic
control or an accident scene, the officer may deactivate the system to
conserve recording time. The officer should document the reason for
stopping the recording, either by orally noting the intention to stop the
tape, or by written notation in the Daily Activity Report.
Whenever the MVR equipment is actively recording, officers shall ensure

that non-essential devices (ie. personal cellular telephones, AM/FM radio)
do not interfere with the capture of audio or video media.
Officers shall not tamper with the programming functions of the MVR,
including but not limited to attempts to erase, alter, or modify recorded
media, or the functionality of the MVR equipment.
Officers are encouraged to use the audio portion of the recording to narrate
events as they occur to provide the best evidence for courtroom
presentation.
10. Officers are encouraged to report to their supervisors of any recorded

sequences that may be of value for training purposes,
11. Officers are encouraged to review recordings when preparing written

reports of events to help ensure accuracy and consistency of accounts.
12. Media recorded during the officet’s tour of duty is to be uploaded to the
Depariment’s designated computer while that vehicle is parked in the rear
parking lot of the stationhouse. Officers should not power down the MVR
until after the “File Upload” screen appears. At this point, the MVR can
be tumed off, but the equipment will remain on until the upload is
complete, at which time the system will power down automatically,
a Ifno media was captured since the last upload, the “File Upload”
screen will not appear. Therefore, the system may be powered
down,
GO 316, Page 3 of §
Cc, Media Contro! and Management,
i. MVR media containing information that may be of value for case

wate tininees e prosecut or in.any.ctim
ion inal or civil. adversarial proceeding shall be
managed and safeguarded by the MVR Manager and Assistant Managers.
2. Recorded media is the property of this agency, and dissemination outside

this agency is strictly prohibited without specific authorization of the
Chief of Police or his/her designee,
3, No media files are to be released beyond the Ramapo Police Department

without having a duplicate copy retained in safe storage,
4, When media is no longer needed for official purposes, officers are to

personally return any copies in their possession to the MVR. Manager or
an. Assistant Manager for further storage and/or disposal, as soon as
teasonably possible.
5, MVR media uploaded from the vehicles shall be maintained for a

minimum of 90 days from the date the incident was recorded.
6. Officers may request media be retained for more than 90 days for the
purposes of official police business by submitting the appropriate
Department form indicating the reason for such request.
7. Any Department Supervisor may request, through the MVR. Manager or

Assistant Managers, to review MVR Media to assess officer performance,
ensure that the equipment is functioning properly, ensure the equipment is
being operated properly, and to identify training needs.
a, The Chief of Police, Captains, Detective Lieutenant, Patrol

Services Lieutenant, and Administrative Lieutenant are authorized
to obtain and view media, and store it on their respective
Department computers, without a written request submission,
b. Individual officers may be permitted to view specific media by

initiating such request through their immediate supervisor.
D. Supervisory Responsibilities,
1. Supervisory personnel who manage officers equipped with MVR.

equipment shall ensure that:
a Established procedures for the use and maintenance of MVR.

equipment are adhered to by those under their command:
b. When reasonable, vehicles equipped with functioning MVR
equipment are assigned to patrol officers prior to units that are not
80 equipped.
GO 316, Page 4 of5

2. Minor infractions (not criminal in natute) discovered during the routine
teview of recorded material should be viewed as training opportunities and
not as routine disciplinary actions, Should the behavior or action
ss ~_become habitual. after being informally.addressed, the appropriate
disciplinary or corrective action shall be taken by the Department.
E. Media Requests and Malfunction Reporting,
1. Requests and notifications pertaining to the MVR Equipment and Media

shall be forwarded to the MVR Manager through a Supervisor by
completing the Department “Mobile Video/Andio Recording Equipment
(MVR) Media Request/Malfunction Report” Form.
a This form may be used to request 2 media hold for more than 90
days, request to view specific media, request media betransferred
to a DVD or CD for playback, report a MVR Equipment
po malfunction, or any other requests pertaining to recorded MVR
media, -
2. The Rockland County District Attomey’s Office has equipment to

playback the DVD or CD media for cases they are prosecuting,
3. For cases being prosecuted by the officer, the appropriate justice court /
should be contacted, as some courts may possess the equipment necessary
to playback the media recordings, In these situations, officers are
encouraged to secure their media copies prior to trial to test the court
equipment and assure successful playback,
a A laptop computer may also be requested through the MVR.

Manager or Assistant Manager, who will obtain the appropriate
equipment from this Department or through the Town ofRamapo
Information Technology Department.
316.4 Training
A. The MVR Manager shall coordinate formal training for all officers who operate
vehicles containing the Mobile Video/Audio Recording Equipment,
B, _ Individual Training Reports shall be forwarded to the Administrative Lieutenant.
GO 316, Page 5 of5

GO 317, Vehicle Pursuit Management
Town-of:-Ramapo Police Department:

GENERAL ORDER
Subject: Vehicle Pursuit Management/Roadblocks
Accreditation Ref: 43.4, 43.5 _
317.1 Purpose.
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures regarding police
operation of motor vehicles by members of this Department and to provide tactics and
considerations when members are involved in a pursuit, emergency or non-emergency
driving situation.
317.2 Policy.
Vehicular pursuit of fleeing suspects presents danger to the lives of the public, officers
and suspects involved in the pursuit. It is the policy of this Department to protect all
persons’ lives to the extent possible when enforcing the law. In addition, it is the
responsibility of the Department to assist officers in the safe performance of their duties.
To effect these obligations, it shall be the policy of the Department to narrowly regulate
the manner in which vehicular pursuit is undertaken and performed.
317.3 Definitions.
A. “Pacing” means the positioning of a police vehicle at a stable, fixed distance behind a
speeding vehicle, in order to determine the speed of the operator/violator.
B. “Closing” means an attempt to catch up to a violator who may or may not be aware
of the officer’s presence, but who is not making an obvious attempt to flee or escape.
C. “Vehicular Pursuit” an active attempt by an officer in an authorized emergency

vehicle to apprehend fleeing suspects who are attempting to avoid apprehension
through evasive tactics.
GO 317, Page 1 of8

D. “Emergency” as a method of motor vehicle operation, means an immediate response,

usually utilizing emergency warning lights and siren. Emergency responses are
=a necessitated
- by events that; if allowed to continue-unchecked, will-likely result in
death, injury, or serious property damage. An emergency response may also be
appropriate during, or following, the commission of a serious felony.
E. “Non-emergency” as a method of motor vehicle operation means routine driving.

Non-emergency operation is that which is generally used while on routine patrol, or
when responding to calls for service of a non-emergency nature.
I. “Police Vehicle: means a vehicle used for police operations. Sometimes referred to as
a ‘patrol vehicle” or “patrol unit”, there are two types:
1, Marked - A conspicuously marked [POLICE] emergency vehicle that is

equipped with both audible and visual emergency warning devices as required by
the Vehicle and Traffic Law for the purpose of being exempted from certain
traffic regulations during emergencies or pursuits. (amended 03/05)
a. Audible Signal — A bell, siren, air-horn or other audible device which is
installed in Department vehicles as directed and approved by the Chief of
Police and which can reasonably be heard by other vehicle operators.
b. Visual Signal - Flashing, oscillating, or rotating red lights visible to other
motorists under normal atmospheric conditions. Red lights may be used in
conjunction with different color lights as permitted by law and approved by
the Chief of Police.
2. Unmarked — All other Department vehicles. (amended 03/05)
J. “Last Resort” situations are those wherein certain immediate and drastic measures
must be undertaken by an officer in order to protect human life. Force used in these
situations may involve the use of techniques or weapons not covered by policy,
however, they remain to be tested by “reasonable” and “necessary” use of force
standards.
GO 317, Page
2 of 8
317.4 Procedures.
A. Evaluation the Circumstances of a Pursuit.
1, The decision to initiate pursuit must be based on the pursuing officer’s conclusion
that the immediate danger to the public created by the pursuit is less than the
immediate or potential danger to the public should the suspect remain at large.
2. Any law enforcement officer in an authorized emergency vehicle may initiate a

vehicular pursuit when ALL of the following criteria are met:
a. The suspect exhibits the intention to avoid arrest by using a vehicle to flee
apprehension for an alleged felony or misdemeanor that would normally
require a full custody arrest;
b. The suspect operating the vehicle refuses to stop at the direction of the officer;
and
c. The suspect, if allowed to flee, would present a danger to human life or cause
serious injury.
3. The pursuing officer shall consider the following factors in determining whether
to initiate pursuit:
The performance capabilities of the pursuit vehicle;
The condition of the road surface upon which the pursuit is being conducted:
moeasgp
The amount of vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area;

Weather conditions;
Time of day (or night);
Location and the existence of known factors of considerations such as the
presence of school zones, parks, construction sites, etc.,
g. Ifthe violator is known and can be found/apprehended later.
B. Initiating Officer’s Responsibilities.
1. The initiating officer shall immediately notify communications center personnel

that a pursuit is underway. The officer shall provide communications with the
following information:
a. Unit identification;
b. Reason for the pursuit (clearly articulated);
c. Route, direction of travel and areas being approached (to be reported as
frequently as safety permits);
Description of the fleeing vehicle, and license plate number if known;
ep
Number of occupants in the fleeing vehicle, and descriptions, where possible;

me
Weapons involved, if any;

Speed of pursuit;
Pm
Operation of pursued vehicle, e.g., reckless, slow, etc.
2. Failure to provide this information to communications personnel may result in an

immediate decision by a field supervisor who is monitoring the event to order its
termination.
GO 317, Page 3 of8

3. Members will refrain from non-essential radio transmissions during the pursuit.
a. Supervisors may utilize a signal 100 (emergency-radio silence), if appropriate.
oS econdary-Units—-——§ lect oe eee een ne EER Ce en
1. The number of police units involved in the actual “tailing” pursuit should generally
be limited to
2. The back-up unit will assume radio communications responsibility, allowing the
primary pursuing unit to devote full attention to driving. The back-up unit will
maintain a safe distance behind the primary pursuing’unit that is reasonable and
_— under the =— conditions.
;, vicinity
EN 0c: unis in te
and available to assist shall do so only after requesting authority from
communications or a Supervisor.
a. Unless instructed otherwise by a supervisor, additional units authorized to
assist shall remain in the area of ihe pursuit,
D. Communications Center Responsibilities.
1. Upon notification that a pursuit is in progress, communications personnel shall

immediately advise a field supervisor of essential information regarding the
pursuit.
2. Communications personnel shall carry out the following activities and

responsibilities during the pursuit.
a. Receive and record all incoming information on the pursuit and the pursued
vehicle;
b. Control all radio communication and clear the radio channels of all non-
emergency radio traffic;
¢. Obtain local criminal information and vehicle checks of the suspects/plate
numbers;
d. Coordinate and dispatch backup assistance under the direction of the field
supervisor;
e. Notify neighboring jurisdictions, where practical, when pursuit may extend
into their locality.
E. Field Supervisor’s responsibilities During Vehicular Pursuit.
1. Upon notification that a vehicular pursuit incident is in progress, the field

supervisor shall assume responsibility for the monitoring and control of the
pursuit as it progresses.
GO 317, Page4 of8

2. The field supervisor shall continuously review the incoming data to determine
whether the pursuit should be continued or terminated.
c- $ hr eontrelling-the-pursuit incident; the field-supervisor'shall-be-tesporisible for

coordination of the pursuit as follows:
a. Directing pursuit vehicles into or out of the pursuit;
b. Re-designation of primary, support or other backup vehicle responsibilities;
c Approval or disapproval, and coordination of pursuit tactics; and
d. Approval or disapproval to leave jurisdiction or continue pursuit.
4, The field supervisor may approve and assign additional backup units to assist the
primary and backup pursuit vehicles based on an analysis of:
The nature of the offense for which pursuit was initiated;
The number of suspects and any known propensity for violence;
fase
The number of officers in the pursuit vehicles;

any damage or injuries to the assigned primary and backup vehicle or officers;
the number of officers necessary to make an arrest at the conclusion of the
pursuit; and
any clear and sensible facts that would warrant the increased hazards caused by
numerous pursuit vehicles.
F. Traffic Regulations During Pursuit.
1, Pursuing vehicle(s) shall activate emergency lights and siren in a continuous mode.
a. Officers engaged in pursuit shall at all times drive in a manner exercising
reasonable care for the safety of themselves and all other persons and property
within the pursuit area. Right of way is not to be assumed or anticipated.
2. N.Y.S. Vehicle and Traffic Law exempts authorized emergency vehicles involved
in emergency operations from certain restrictions of the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
a, This exemption does not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle
from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor does it
protect the driver from the consequences of his/her reckless disregard for the
safety of others.
Pursuing vehicles are exempted from certain traffic regulations only when
necessary and justified and only when safe to do so.
G. Termination of Pursuit.
1, A decision to terminate pursuit may be the most rational means of preserving the
lives and property of both the public, and the officers and suspects engaged in
pursuit. Pursuit may be terminated by the pursuing officer, the field supervisor or
a primary staff officer of the Department.
GO 317, Page 5 of8

2, Termination of pursuit shall be accomplished when any of the following
conditions exist:
when circumstances develop which present extraordinary danger to the officer
~orthe-public-(pur
officer
suing or supervisor discretion);—-—-—=—-
under those circumstances wherein the offender can be identified and an arrest
made at a later time without risk of creating an unreasonable danger to the
public;
when so ordered by a supervisor;
when the pursued vehicle’s location is no longer known by the pursuing
officers; or :
when radio contact is lost due to distance or equipment failure, unless
extraordinary circumstances exist.
H. Inter-and Intra jurisdictional Pursuits,
1. Ifa pursuit is initiated by the Town of Ramapo Police and extends beyond the
2. Pursuing officers must notify communications when entering another jurisdiction

and communications shall notify the authority of that jurisdiction providing all
pertinent details.
3. Town of Ramapo Police Officers may assist in pursuits initiated by other

jurisdictions subject to the following provisions:
a. when requested by the agency involved in the pursuit and, the purpose for the
pursuit is known and meets the guidelines as defined in section 317.4.
b. Ramapo Officers shall not leave the Town limits in such cases except with
specific authorization of a Supervisor.
If the purpose of the vehicle pursuit is not known or, if the justification for
pursuit is questionable or does not meet the guidelines set forth in paragraph
317.4 above, Ramapo Officers may assist the pursuing agency in a manner that
does not constitute vehicle pursuit as described in this Order. Such assistance
is limited to:
(1) Observing and reporting.
(2) Following at a safe speed.
(3) Leapfrogging or maneuvering to positions ahead of the direction of pursuit
to provide for traffic control and safety at intersections,
4, Pursuit into another State shall be strictly governed by the rules of close pursuit as
defined in the Criminal Procedural Law of the State of New York.
a
1.
GO 317, Page 6 of8

2. Departmental policy pertaining to use of deadly force shall be adhered to during

the pursuit.
GO 317, Page 7 of8

317.5 General Regulations
C. Reporting Requirements.
1. Upon completion of a pursuit, the pursuing officer shall complete a numbered

incident report, which shall! include the following information:
a the reason for the pursuit, offense involved and any extraordinary
circumstances including charges filed;
b. the suspects name, address, and date of birth;
c. the speed(s) and duration of the pursuit, and the number of Ramapo and
outside agency vehicles involved;
description of any injuries or accidents occurring during or as a result of the
pursuit; and
any deviation from or non-compliance with Departmental rules, regulations
and procedures, and any justification for such.
the field supervisor shall make an entry on the incident report concerning any
violations of Departmental policy, or any accident, injury or other unusual
event,
The Commander of the Patrol Division shall maintain records and statistical
data of all pursuits and make policy recommendations to the Chief of Police.
4. Any primary or backup unit sustaining major damage or failure of essential

vehicular equipment during the pursuit shall not be permitted to continue in the
pursuit. The unit shall notify communications so that another unit may be assigned
to the pursuit.
D. Staff Requirements.
1, The Chief of Staff shall review all vehicular pursuit incidents to determine
compliance with policy, training needs or the need for policy amendment.
2. The Chief of Staff shall maintain records of all vehicular pursuit incidents
involving a member of the Department.
GO 317, Page 8 of8

GO 318, Traffic Accident Investigations
Town of Ramapo Police Department |

GENERAL ORDER
General Order No. 318 Issuance Date: April 5, 2001
Subject: Traffic Accident Investigations ,
Cross Reference: , Effective Date: April 16, 2001
[ Reevaluation | 10/11 | | | I [ Amended | 10/01 [11/11 [ 08/12 |

—
‘318.1 Purpose
This policy provides guidelines regarding traffic accident investigations.
318.2 Policy .
The Town of Ramapo Police Department shall provide accident investigation
services within the Town of Ramapo as outlined in this General Order,
318.3 Procedures (emended LAY
A. Reporting and Investigating
1. The majority of accidents require only the reporting of basic

information by completing the NYSDMV form (MV104-A).
2. A more detailed investigation, which could include speed
determination, scale diagrams or collection of data for reconstruction,
may be required for accidents involving:
a, fatal/life threatening injury;
b. major structural damage;
3. Itis important that accident reports be submitted promptly, normally
by the end of the tour. It is the reporting officer’s responsibility to
finish the investigation and report in a timely manner.
B. Motor Vehicle Accidents
1. An officer will respond to motor vehicle accidents, conduct an

investigation and complete an accident report for accidents involving
any of the following:
a, fatal/life threatening injury/non-life threatening injury;
GO 318, Page i of6

G0318, Traffic Accident Investigations
b,leaving the scene;
¢,
property damage in excess of state minimum reporting limit;
d,impaitment dus to alcohol and/or drugs [GO 326], or;
1:os i£either-party involved.desires.areport-be-filed.-
2. An accident report is not required if the above listed criteria does not
apply and both parties agree not to file an accident report.
a, the officer shall make a brief entry on their DAR noting the
incident, including driver’s names and license plate numbers of all
involved parties.
i. notify communications of reason why no report is being
taken.
b. Officers should assist drivers to exchange information.
C. Late Reported Accidents
1. Ifan accident is reported within five days of the occurrence, a police

accident report (MV104-A) shall be completed.
2. [fan accident is reported after five days from the occurrence-
although not required- an officer may investigate and/or file an
accident report, If report is not taken then the officer:
a. shall advise the party attempting to make the late report that the
participant(s) in the accident must report same to the
Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles, using DMV
form MV 104 within ten days of the occurrence if there were any
injuries or if the damage to any property exceeds the Vehicle and
Traffic Law, section 605(A) (1) threshold.
D. Officer Response and Responsibilities
1, Required Response
a. Officers shall respond to the scene of a reported motor vehicle

accident,
b, The sector officer originally dispatched to the scene by the
dispatcher will be in charge of investigating the accident.
¢. The responsibilities of the first officer(s) responding to the scene of
an accident are to:
i, Administer and/or summon medical aid to victims;
ii. Summon additional support as necessary (fire apparatus, tow
truck, etc.);
iii. Protect the accident scene;
iv. Preserve short-lived evidence:
v. Call for tow truck(s);
vi. Establish a safe traffic pattern around the accident:
vii, Locate and identify witnesses;
viii. Record information;
ix. Expedite the removal of vehicles, persons and debris,
GO 318, Page 2 of6

GO0318, Traffic Accident Investigations
2. Injury Accidents
a Officers sent to the scene of accidents involving injuries will

me
sscomem en
= immediately summon EMS, ifnotalready-done, and-may-request.-
additional officers to assist with traffic control. Officers should
provide first aid to the victims, Injured persons should not be
moved unless conditions at the scene become life-threatening to
the victim, ‘
b, Officers should provide reasonable assistance to EMS personnel,
3, Fire Hazards
a. Fire apparatus may be dispatched for accidents involving:

i, fire or potential for fire; :
ii, entrapment;
iii. hazardous material spills
iv. downed power lines: or
v. as otherwise required;
4, Hazardous Materials (amended 08/12)
a Officers should be observant for any evidence of hazardous

material or hazardous material placards before approaching
vehicles involved in accidents,
When there is a question whether spilled material at an accident
scene may be hazardous, officers shall be guided by Town of
Ramapo Police Department Policy P-17; "Hazardous Material
Incidents."
Officers should attempt to interview the driver and make a
preliminary identification of the cargo from a safe distance. This
may be done using such things as placards and matkings,
Binoculars are a good too! for this purpose,
When the safety or containment of any hazardous or unknown
material is in question, Rockland County Fire Control Center (44
control) will be notified. 44 Control will co-ordinate response of
the Rockland Country HAZ-MAT Team with the on scene fire
officials,
The officer in charge of the scene will insure that New York State
ECON Police are notified of the incident and request they respond
if necessary.
5. Accidents involving Wildlife
a If the animal is still on scene and alive, the officer will use their
discretion with regards to destruction of the animal.
i, If firearm is discharged a supervisor will be notified in
accordance with [GO 211],
GO 318,
Page 3 of 6
b, Officers will complete a (MV 104A) if required in accordance with
this general order.
c, The responding officer shall remove the carcass to the side of
SSS padway-forremoval:— rs
i. Dispatch shall be advised and the respective highway
department shall be notified by dispatch of the need for
removal,
6. Leaving the Scene Accidents
a. The initial responding officer shall;

i, be responsible for the primary hit and run investigation;
i, obtain wanted vehicle information, and;
iii. transmit same to dispatcher for the purposes of issuing an
alarm based upon the information obtained;
(1) _ investigating officers determine. whether sufficient
valid, accurate and timely information has been
obtained in order to issue an alarm.
iv. complete (MV-104A) [GO 610);
Vv assure all necessary follow-ups are completed.
7. Collecting Information
a, When investigating accidents, the officer will ensure that a Police

Accident Report (MV-104A) [GO 610] is completed, The
collection of information may include:
i interviewing principals and witnesses;
ik, obtaining necessary witness statements;
iii. _listing all occupants of the vehicles;
iv. examining and recording damage to vehicles, roadways or
other public or private property.
E. Police Vehicle Accidents (amended 11/11)
1. Department Vehicles
a. In addition to the requirements in this General Order, the
investigation shall be guided by [GO 209],
2. Other Police Agencies in RPD jurisdiction

a. NYS Police and RC Sheriff's Department:
iL Shail take all necessary accident reports involving their
department vehicles.
ii. A police officer from this department may assist the
department if so requested.
b, Spring Valley/Suffern Village Police Departments-(outside of their
village limits) and all other out of area agencies:
i Police accident reports shall be completed by RPD in
accordance with this General Order,
GO 318, Page4 of6

F. Other Public Vehicles or Public Property Accident
aL An-officer-will-respond to the scene, conduct-an investigation.and

complete an accident report for all reported accidents meeting the
Vehicle and Traffic Law, section 605(A)(1), threshold,
a Report will be completed regardless of threshold if
requested by any of the involved parties,
2. Ifno MV 104A is filed by the investigating officer, an incident
report will be completed.
G. Fatal/ Life Threatening/Major Structural Damage Accidents

(amended 11/L1)
1. In addition to the aforesaid requirements in this General Order the

responding officer shall: ‘
a. Protect the scene and evidence from contamination,
b Not move vehicles, debris, etc unless necessary to aid the
injured or prevent further injury to responding resources,
c. Notify a police supervisor to respond.
2. The supervisor shall:
a Respond to the scone and determine if an accident is serious
enough to require the Accident Investigation Unit (AIU). In
general, the AIU may be called in to assist in accident
investigations dealing with death, life threatening injury or
accidents involving major structural damage.
If accident investigators (Al) are needed, two investigators
should be called in to conduct the investigation.
Identify all victims and ensure that next of kin are notified
’ ASAP;
i if RPD is to do the notification, ther
ii, if possible-an accident investigator should accompany
the supervisor to answer questions next of kin may
have.
If the ATU is utilized, the SDO is to be promptly notified.
Supervise traffic control and personnel deployment at the
scene.
i, Ensure that traffic reporting services are notified of any
prolonged road closures and/or detours.
Assist AIU as needed.
Ensure that an initial press release is prepared. .
If accident investigators are not utilized- review all necessary
i
reports, photographs, and diagrams related to the accident,
- 3. The ATU shall:

a Determine what other resources and/or personnel may be
required, such as medical examiner, detective bureau, district
attorney’s office, etc.
GO 318, Page 5 of6

: GO0318, Traffic Accident Investigations
i, requests for additional police resources shall be made to
the on-scene supervisor.
b. Determine the necessity for scale diagrams, photographs,
Se evidence.collection;and.other-technical-aspects.of the-._
investigation.
c, Ensure that involved vehicles are impounded and moved to a
secure lot.
d, Conduct all necessary and related technical aspects of the
investigation as needed,
e. Document the progress of the investigation.
f Al reports are to be promptly completed and forwarded to the
accident investigations supervisor.
4, The AIU supervisor shall:

a Coordinate the preparation and progress of the accident
investigation and associated reports,
i, The accident investigator supervisor is authorized to
temporarily re-assign an investigator so as to promptly
complete an investigation, Reassignment is to be
coordinated with the investigator’s squad commander,
Review all reports, photographs, and diagrams,
Promptly approve the accident report, associated diagrams and
supplemental reports submitted by the AIU.
Submit the approved reporis to records.
GO 318, Page 6 of6

GO 319, Domestic Incidents

GENERAL ORDER
General Order No. 319 Issuance Date: May 4, 2001

Subject: Domestic Incidents
Accreditation Ref:
Distribution: All Personnel Rescinded Date:
Reevaluation | 08/06 | 12/13 | O6/16 Amended 0906 =| 02/14 | O7/6
319.1 Purpose
To establish guidelines and procedures for responding to Domestic Incidents,
319.2 Policy
It is the policy of the Town of Ramapo Police Department to respond to every report
of a
domestic incident and to aggressively investigate domestic incidents as criminal conduct.
Further, it is the policy of this Department to exercise a “pro-arrest” policy with respect
to
domestic incidents in the belief that arrest is an effective deterrent to future incidents
of such
violence. (amended 07/16)
319.3 Definitions (amended 07/16)
A. Domestic Incident, Any dispute, violence, or report of an offense between

“Members of the
Same Family or Household” where police intervention is tequested or there is a
violation of a
valid Order of Protection. A domestic incident is not necessarily a violatio
n of law,
(amended 07/16)
B, Members of the Same Family or Household: For the purposes of this policy,
shall include
persons who are defined as such by article 812 of the Family Court Act and Section
530.11
of the Criminal Procedural Law who (amended 02/14)
1, Are legally married to one another;
2. Were formally married to one another regardless whether they reside in the same
household; ,
3. Are related by blood;
4, Are related by marriage;
5. Have a child in common regardless of whether they were married or lived together
at any time;
6. Are or have been in an intimate relationship regardless of whether such persons have
lived together at any time,
sae a) Factors to-consider-in-determining if, relationship is-an-“intimate—. --- -
relationship include but are not limited to:
(1) The nature of the relationship regardless of whether it is sexual in
nature;
(2) The frequency of interaction between the persons;
(3) The duration of the relationship;
(4) Neither a casual acquaintance nor ordinary fraternization between
two parties in business or social context shall be deemed.
an “intimate relationship.”
319.4 General Regulations
A. Domestic incidents occur when persons involved in a domestic relationship commit or

attempt to commit the following offenses that are designated as “Family Offenses” by
Article 812 of the Family Court Act. (amended 07/16)
Disorderly Conduct (including not in a public place)

Harassment 1 and 2" degree
aA WP WH
Aggravated Harassment 2™ degree

SPN
Sexual Misconduct
Forcible Touching
Sexual Abuse 3“ degree
Sexual Abuse 24 degree Penal Law 130.60 sub 1)
Stalking in the 1", 2", 3" and 4" degrees
Criminal Mischief
10. Menacing 2" and 3" degrees
11. Reckless Endangerment
12. Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation
13, Strangulation in the 1° and 2™ degrees
14. Assault in the 2" and 3" degrees
15. Attempted Assault
16, Identity Theft 1°, 2™ and 3" degrees
17, Grand Larceny 3" and 4" degrees
18. Coercion 2™ (PL 135.60 sub 1, 2, 3)
B. The Criminal Court has exclusive jurisdiction over offenses such as Attempted Murder,
Kidnapping, Rape, Unlawful Imprisonment, Coercion, Arson or Criminal Mischief against
an intimate partner in a domestic relationship.
C. Acts which violate the terms of an Order of Protection issued by the Family, Criminal or
Supreme Courts may be considered domestic incidents.
D. Concurrent Jurisdiction exists when different courts have jurisdiction over the same
incident. A victim of a Family Offense may elect to proceed in either a Civil or Criminal
Courtor both. Criminal Court and Family Court have concurrent jurisdiction when:
(a) A designated Family Offense (listed above is alleged to have been committed).
=~ --(b)-Arfamily/householdrelationship-exists-as defthe ine Family-
d-i
Court-Act-——--
n —-
(c) The offender is 16 years of age or older.
,
If the first two elements are met, but the alleged offender is less than 16 years
of age, the
case must be heard in the Family Court.
NOTE: In cases where either of the first two elements isnot met, the victim does
not have ! |
the option of going to Family Court but must £0 to Criminal Court for relief,
319.5 Procedures
A. Dispatching for Domestic Incident Calls.
1. An officer or communications dispatcher receiving a call related to a domestic incident

will treat the call with the same priority as any other life-threatening call.
2. Whenever possible, MMIII shall be dispatched to every reported domestic

incident unless it can be reasonably determined that officer safety is not at risk.
3. Response to a domestic incident shall not be cancelled solely upon a follow-u

p call
from the location requesting the cancellation. The officer or communicator
shall : i
advise the responding officer(s) of the request for informational purposes, and direct that
'
they continue their response to the incident location.
:
4. Domestic incident calls shall not be reclassified without supervisory approval
.
5. Upon receipt of a domestic incident call, the officer/communicator receiving the call
‘will, along with information normally gathered, make every attempt to determine
and
- relay the following information to the responding officers:
(a) Whether the suspect is present, the suspect's description and possible location
and/or description of vehicles used;
(b) Whether medical assistance is ‘needed at the scene;
(c) Whether the offender is under the influence of drugs, alcohol or other substanc
es;
(d) Whether there are children present;
(e) Whether weapons or dangerous instruments are involved or known to be on the
premises, or, if any other threats exists, i.e., dogs on the premise;
(f) Whether the victim has a current Order of Protection against the suspect. NOTE:
The CAD system and eJusticeNY “Order of Protection File” shall be checked to
determine if there is an Order of Protection on Jile which is currently in effect
or
has expired; (amended 02/14)
(g) Check the complaint history at the location;
(h) Identity of caller, i.e., victim, neighbor, child,
(i) Check the DIR Repository. fuew 07/16)
6. Allcalls dispatched as domestic incidents shall require the completion of the

Standardized Domestic Incident Form, even if the investigation indicates that no
domestic incident occurred. ; :
GO 319, Page 3 of 12 |
B. Responding Officer's Procedures
oof ;-an
shall-be
=—Aedontentionetdent-vall:signifies people-inneed- of help d to
resportded-
es
as quickly and safely as circumstanc permit.
2. Upon arrival at the scene, officers should survey the scene, with special attention to
be given to sounds coming from the location to get an idea of what is transpiring, and
wait for back-up officers when appropriate.
3. The location of a domestic incident should be treated as a “crime scene.” The actions of
officers investigating a domestic incident must be guided by the rules of evidence taking
cate to identify items and/or conditions that could be instrumental to prosecution. To

this end, photographing injuries and/or the physical environment should be considered.
(This may include overturned furniture, damaged walls, pots or pans thrown about,
any instrument or weapon reported to have been used or its use threatened, broken
windows, and so forth).
4, The on-scene investigating officer shall:
(a) Restore order by gaining control of the situation and separating the parties;
(b) Take control of all weapons used or threatened in the incident;
(c) Inquire if there are any firearms on the premises or if any person involved has a
pistol permit, or is legally in possession of a handgun as a result of his/her
employment, i.e., "law enforcement officer";
(d) Locate and visually check all occupants of the residence to verify their safetyand
well being;
(e) Assess the need for medical attention and administer first aid or request such
assistance be dispatched, when appropriate;
(® Interview peisons relevant to the investigation. (Le., neighbors, children,
persons at the scene);
(g) After such person have been interviewed, determine if an arrest should be made
or whether other action should be taken. If an arrest is made, advise the victim that
release of the suspect can occur at any time so the victim can take nevess safe
recautions.
(h) Advise the victim of the availability of shelter and other victim services in the
cotamunity and provide the victim with a copy of the Victim Rights Notice (“Victim
Rights Notice" is printed on the last sheet of page two/DCJS form 3221 which is
required to be given to the victim prior to leaving the scene whenever possible, If
necessary, read the "Victim Notice" to the victim. (812, subdivision 5, Family Court
i Act; 530.11, subdivision 6 of the Criminal Procedure Law), and; (amended 02/14)
i
1 @ Collect and record evidence (including sworn affidavits whenever possible)
i and, where appropriate, take photographs of injuries and/or property damage.
1
| GO 319, Page 4 of 12
C. Complete the New York State Standard Domestic Incident Report Form (DCIS 3221)
and any other reports necessary to fully document the officer's response, whether or not
an
ES offense-was-committed-or-an-arrest-is-made.—This-form-will-be-used in-place-of the New—-
.
York State Incident Report Form for reporting Domestic Incidents. The New York State
Standard Domestic Incident Report is a 2 page form containing several parts, The
distribution of the parts is as follows.
1, Page 1 of the NYS Domestic Incident Report. (amended 02/14)
(a) This portion is completed using the Impact Records Management System.
(b) Victim/Complainant copy (contains redacted fields). [Will be made available to
the
victin upon request, at no cost, after the report has been completed and
approved], ,
Page 2 of the NYS Domestic Incident Report (amended 02/t4)
(a) White (top page) ~ Department file copy

(1) Records Division will attach a digital copy to the Impact Records Management
System. (new 02/14)
* (b) Pink 2™ page) — Victim/Complainant copy (contains redacted field). [Will be
made available to the victim upon request, at no cost, afier the report has been
completed and approved].
(©) Pink (3" page) — Victim’s Rights Notice to be provided to the victim at the scene
whenever possible. If it is not possible, it must be provided to the vietim ASAP,
(amended 07/16)
E. Responding officers at the scene of’ a domestic incident shall provide the following assistance
to the victim(s), and where appropriate, the children or other family or household members:
1. Advise relevant parties about the serious nature of family violence, its potential for
escalation, and of legal and social assistance available;
2. Assess the immediate safety and welfare of involved children;
3. Remain at the scene until satisfied that the immediate danger of violence has passed or
appropriate options to protect and assist the victim have been exhausted; and
Provide the victim with referral information regarding domestic violence shelters and
services.
See paragraph “Q” below, ("Additional Services,")
F, Officer Arrest Procedures
== Arrest-shall-be- made in-conformance-with140.10-of-the N'YS-Criminal-Procedure Law

and applicable department policy and procedure. It is the responsibility of officers to be
thoroughly familiar with C.P.L. 140,10 and department policy and procedure and to
guide actions accordingly.
Tn domestic incidents in which a law is violated, the objective is to protect the victim,
The victim shall not be requested to make a civilian arrest when a summary arrest can
be made. The intent of this policy is to take the burden of an arrest decision away from
victims, who may be ill-prepared to undertake it due to social, economic, psychological
and other pressures or constraints, Even if the victim actively intercedes and
requests that no arrest be made, as specified in this policy, there are situations in
. Which a lawful arrest based on probable cause will nevertheless be made,
Officers are reminded that there is no requirement that a crime (felony or misdemeanor)
occur in the officer’s presence in order to arrest, Therefore, a lawful arrest may be and
often shall be founded upon factors other than the officer's direct observations,
including but not limited to visible physical injury, property damage, signs of serious
disruption at the scene and/or statements by others,
G. Investigating officers will effect an arrest in the following circumstance:
1, Where an officer has reasonable cause to believe a crime (feloriy or misdemeanor) has
been committed against a victim, even if the victim request otherwise.
a. Exception: Alleged violations of court orders specifically directing custody and
ot visitation matters, Violations of this nature shall be documented
and the victims referred back to the issuing court for action.
2. Where a petty offense was committed against a victim in the officer's presence,
3, Where an officer has reasonable cause to believe that the terms of an Order of
Protection have been violated or, receives a complaint from the victim alleging such
violation,
H. Inarrests other than civilian arrests, the officer shall emphasize to the victim and the
offender that the criminal action is being initiated by the State and NOT THE
VICTIM.
I. Where an officer has reasonable cause to arrest, such arrest is required. The following ate
not valid reasons for failure to make an appropriate arrest:
. The suspect lives with the victim.
. There is no Order of Protection in effect,
NAUAP
YON
There may be financial consequences caused by an arrest.

The victim and suspect are family or household members.
. The complainant has made prior or frequent calls,
. The suspect gives verbal assurance that he/she will not harm the complainant or victim,
. The alleged injury is minor or not immediately visible,
8. That the victim may not be a willing participant in the subsequent criminal proceedings
or has not been a willing participant in past court proceedings.
++ 0== Tharprosecution atid conviction may not ccc even thougirthere is teasonable—
cause to arrest.
10. When a valid Order of Protection exists and the petitioner of the order seeking
protection of the Court against the respondent, voluntarily encourages the respondent
to violate the terms of the order and then seeks to have the order enforced. (i.¢.,
Petitioner invited the responded into home in violation of the Court Order for the
respondent to stay away from the home).
J. Civilian Arrests
1. The victim shall be afforded an opportunity to make a civilian arrest pursuant to

140.30 of the CPL when the investigating officer lacks legal authority to make a
summary arrest.
2. Insuch cases the victim should be informed out of the presence of the offender, where
feasible, of such right, and assisted by the officer in effecting such arrest. In
conformance with 140.40(4) of the CPL, an officer is not required to take the arrested
person into custody if reasonable cause exists to believe that the arrested person did
not commit the alleged offense, ©
3. Incases involving a civilian arrest, the complainant shall swear to and sign the
Information. (amended 07/16)
(@) Officers do not have arrest authority for violations that are not committed in their
presence, Therefore, officers should understand that if'a victim wishes to have an
offender arrested for a violation, this Department shall assist the victim with
drawing the charges; and:
(i) ifthe offender is present, the officer shall assist the victim by taking the offender
into custody for processing.
(ii) if the offender is not present, the officer shall submit the charges with the report
for the issuance of a criminal summons or warrant for the offender,
NOTE: Officers are reminded that while investigating alleged Harassment

violations, they should try to determine if an aitempted assault charge
would be appropriate. If so, and if the officer has reasonable cause to
believe it occurred, then the arrest becomes mandatory under this policy.
(Amended 9/06)
4. Civilian arrests shall not be used in place of an authorized arrest by a police officer
having reasonable cause or direct knowledge as stated previously in this directive.
K. Cross Complaints
1. Officers are not required to arrest both or all parties simply because each used or
threatened physical force. In cases where there is cross complaints the officer should
making this
attempt to identify the party who is the primary physical aggressor. When
is to protect
determination, the officer shall consider that the purpose of this policy
sormay-attempt to
sons. aytatinrofdomestic-violence:-Oficers-ae- reminded that-an-aperes
use a cross complaint to discourage the victim from proceed ing with an arrest.
physical force
2. The "primary physical aggressor" is not necessarily the first person to use
is, officers
during an incident. In determining who the “primary physical aggressor”
will consider the following:
creating fear of
(a) The comparative nature of the parties' injuries, or serious threats
physical injury.
that history can be
. (b) Prior history of violence between. the involved persons wher
reasonably ascertained by the officer.
fense in
(c). No artest shall be made for acts that where committed in self-de
accordance with Article 35.00 of the NYS Penal Law.
e the arrest of
(d). A decision to arrest the primary physical aggressor does not preclud
from arresting both
the other party at a later time. An officer is also not precluded
: .
parties, if the situation justifies such action.
L. Family Offense Arrest Processing

ng information:
1, Officers will provide victims of a Family Offense with the followi
both Family
(a) That there is concurrent jurisdiction with respect to family offenses in
d in either
Court and the Criminal Courts. Victims of Family Offenses may procee
or both the Family or Criminal Courts;
es of attempting to
(b) That a Family Court proceeding is a civil proceeding for purpos
ls for
stop the violence, end the family disruption and obtain protection. Referra
for this purpose;
counseling, or counseling services are available through probation
prosecuting the
(c) That a proceeding in the criminal courts is for the purpose of
offender and may result in a criminal conviction of the offender.
filing of a Family
(d) That a Family Court Proceeding is initiated at the time of the
Court Petition. A ctiminal action is initiated at the time of the filing of an
an arrest is not
accusatory instrument. In either case, it must be understood that
sufficient to initiate Family Court Proceedings.
or a Criminal
(e) That an arrest may precede the commencement of a Family Court
either
Court proceeding; but an arrest is nota requirement for commencing
ment or petition
proceeding, However, the filing of an underlying accusatory instru
is required to obtain an order of protection from the courts.
When a victim wishes to procced in Family Court on an offense, advise the victim
2.
that it will be necessary to appear in Family Court to file a petition. If Family Court is
omas__-:2——=inegession;t immediately:-Ifition-sho
filedhis-peti uld-be
t-is-not-in-session;the-petition
may be filed in a local criminal court, with the magistrate acting in the capacity of the
Family Court Judge and then returned and heard on the morning of the next day when
the Family Court is in session.
3. When a victim chooses to proceed in Criminal Court, the victim is not required
to be present at arraignment, but their attendance should be recommended,
especially if an Order of Protection is desired ftom the court,
4. Booking procedures, fingerprinting and photographing shall conform to current

Department procedures and 160.10 of the CPL.
M. Non-Family Domestic Offenses
1. Offenses which are not designated family offenses but which occur in domestic
violence situations cannot be handled in Family Court, Criminal Courts have exclusive
jurisdiction over these acts, (Le., murder ot attempted murder, kidnapping, rape,
unlawful imprisonment). :
2. Although the violation of an Order of Protection is not a designated family offense,

Family court has jurisdiction over the matter if the order was issued by the Family
Court.
N. Orders of Protection
1. Issuanee, Orders of Protection and Temporary Orders of Protection may be issued.

by a local Criminal Court, Supreme Court, or the Family Court, When advising the
public which forum may be of assistance, the following distinctions should be used
as a guideline: .
(a) Local Criminal Courts: Before a Temporary Order of Protection can be

issued to a victim, a criminal action must be pending involving a complaint
charging a crime or violation in a domestic relationship. Upon conviction of
the accused, the court may enter a final Order of Protection, the duration of
which will be determined by the court. (530.12, Criminal Procedure Law).
(b) Supreme Court may issue an Order of Protection upon commencement of

an action for divorce, separation or annulment. (252 Domestic Relations
Law).
(c) Family Court may issue an Order of Protection order upon the initial filing
of a petition. The parties must be subject to the jurisdiction of the Family
Court (related by marriage, consanguinity or affinity, or be former spouses,
or have a child in common).
(f) In any case where an arrest has been made for violation of a Criminal Court
en, Onder of Protection; it iy advisable for the victiir-te- be presentat arraign
ment,
If the order violated is a Family Court Order of Protection, the victim is
required to appear in Family Court to file a petition and shall be so advised by
the arresting officer. :
(g) Arrest made for violations of Out of State Orders of Protection where there is
probable cause shall require the following actions:
(1) A sworn written deposition shall be attached to the Order of Protection

attesting to the facts of the violation.
(2) An information shall be completed charging the defendant (respondent) with
Contempt of Court 2nd or 1st, sections 215.50, sub. 3 or 215.51 of the Penal
Law respectively,
O. Firearms
1. Upon arresting an individual who is licensed to catry, possess, repair and dispose of
firearms pursuant to Article 400 of the New York State Penal Law, thearresting
officer should, whenever possible, notify the court of arraignment that the defendant
is so licensed when the following conditions exist:
2. The arrest is for a willful failure to obey an Order of Protection issued under Article
Eight of the Family Court Act that involves violent behavior constituting the crimes
of menacing, reckless endangerment, assault or attempted assault (846-a FCA), or
3. The arrest is for a willful failure to obey a lawful Order of Protection issued under
Article Bight of the Family Court Act or 530.12 of the Criminal Procedure Law,
where such willful failure involves:
(a) The infliction of serious physical injury.
(b) The use or threatened use of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
4, When advising the court that such offender is licensed to carry, possess, repair and
dispose of firearms pursuant to Article 400 of the New York State Penal Law, also
advise the court of the licensing authority and county of issuance.
P. Appearance Tickets
1. Field release or appearance tickets shall not be issued, nor pre-arraignment bail set
on an arrest resulting from a domestic incident,
2. All persons arrested shall not be released until after being atraigned by the
appropriate court,
3. Officers shall not assure domestic incident victims that the arrested offender will
GO 319, Page 11 of 12
remain in custody overnight because of the no bail/no release policy. Such

assurances to the victim by an officer may influence decisions regarding safety
oa eprecautions-that-victims shouldtake-Ghex-delaying-welrmove-into-a-shelter or
another place of safety until the next morning). :
Q. Additional Services
1. The department will maintain a current listing of agencies that provide aid to the
victims of domestic incidents, Officers will refer victims to these agencies, when
appropriate,
2. Officers will arrange for transport and accommodation of ‘victims( including

children) of domestic incidents to available shelters or other places of safety, or will
assist in making such arrangements, as required by law.
3. Where domestic incident victims are incapacitated by physical, mental o

emotional impairments, officers will consult with Adult Protective Services and
assist, where appropriate, in supportive interventions.
R. Responsibility
1. Officers shall follow the procedures set forth in this directive, except under
extraordinary circumstances where it can clearly be demonstrated that following
these procedures was unsuitable for a particular situation, Any such citcumstances
must be fully documented by the reporting officer on the incident report, and a copy
thereof shall be forwarded through the chain of command to the Chief of Police or
his designee.
2. The Squad Commanders/OIC’s are ultimately responsible to see that officers under
their command comply with Department policy and procedure for handling
Domestic Incidents,
(a) Line supervisors shall review Domestic Incident Reports submitted to them
for compliance with this General Order.
GO 319, Page 12 of 12
GO 323, Bank Alarms

GENERAL ORDER
General Order No. 323 Issuance Date: December 2, 1999
Subject: Response to Bank Alarms
Cross Reference: Effective Date: December 2, 1999
Accreditation Ref:
323.1 Purpose
The purpose of this directive is to standardize the method of response by police to

electronic alarms activated at banking institutions.
323.2 Policy
Members of the Town of Ramapo Police Department shall respond to all bank
alarms (emergencies) and calls for assistance (non-emergencies) in accordance
with the procedures set forth in this order.
323.3 PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED BY HEADQUARTERS PERSONNEL
A.
GO 323, Page 1 of 4
GO 323, Bank Alarms
iit
1
2.
4, If bank personnel indicate that the alarm is false, they “should” follow
323.4 PROCEDURES FOR PATROL PERSONNEL
A
1
GO 323, Page 2 of 4
GO 323, Bank Alarms
B. Bad check and forgery calls will be handled as follows:

1, Bank personnel will telephone the Police Department to report the
incident and will attempt to do so while the suspect is still within the
bank. This information will be relayed as quickly as possible to the
responding unit with all pertinent information.
2. If this type of call is received as an alarm, Desk personne! will follow

previously stated procedures. If it does not come in as an alarm, personnel
should approach quietly and get information from Desk personnel
regarding location of suspect in the bank or which bank employee to
contact,
C. ‘False and accidental alarms will be handled as follows:
1. Confirmation of the alarm will be made through the Police

Communications |S All received alarms will
be considered legitimate until confirmed as false or accidental.
2. A patrol unit will speak with the manager or person in charge after a false
alarm is determined and submit the necessary report (s).
3. Any unfamiliarity with procedures should be reported to the Bank Liaison

~ ’ Officer of the Department by a Squad Supervisor. :
323.5 PROCEDURE FOR BANK PERSONNEL
A.
GO 323, Page 3 of4

GO 323, Bank Alarms
GO 323, Page 4 of 4
e
GO 324, Photographing

Subject: Photographs
Cross Reference: G0 206, Go 222, Go 316, Go 602 Effective Date: June 30, 2002
Reevaluation | 04/05 | 05/16 : Amended =| 04/05 | O5/16
324.1 Purpose
To establish guidelines for the use of camera equipment by members of the Department,
and the storage of associated photographs and video.
324.2 Policy
It is the policy of the Department for members to thoroughly investigate reported

incidents and include photo-documentation of physical injuries and/or property damage,
when in the opinion of the investigating member, taking photographs may assist in the
investigation of the incident and subsequent prosecution of the offender.
324.3 Definitions
A. Digital Camera: A device designed and manufactured for the sole purpose
of taking photographs and/or video and processing or storing them in adigital
format, :
B. Digital Device: A device which can receive, store, process or send digital
content including photographs and/or video, but is not exclusively
designed for taking photographs and/or video.
1. Examples of digital devices include;

a, Cellphones
b, Tablets
c, Computers.
° C. Photograph: An image which represents a lone instance of time. For the

purpose
of this policy photographs may be stored in a digital format.
D. Video: A sequence of images, representing a period of time that when

played back give the impression of motion and continuity. For the purpose of this
GO 324, Page 1 of 4
policy video may be stored in a digital format.
E. Image: For the purpose of this policy an image is the likeness of

persons, objects-or-scenes.-Images.cai-be
produced.on-a digital-camera or... . :.
digital device.
F. —Reformatting: For the purpose of this policy, reformatting is the process of

erasing
photographs and video off of the storage media they are stored on.
G, Storage Media: A device in which information including digital

photographs and videos can be written too or read from.
324.4 General
Digital Cameras are made available at various locations in the Department. Further
several members have been assigned digital devices in the form of department phones
which have digital camera capabilities. The primary purpose of this equipment is to
provide a tool to assist mémbers with documenting evidence.
324.5 Guidelines
A. Any damage to a Department camera or associated accessories shall be reported
to a supervisor. ,
B. Report the need for additional storage media to a supervisor.
324.6 Procedures
A. Photographs may be taken for investigative purposes. The decision to take

photographs is that of the investigating member or his/her supervisor.
B. _ Incidents involving serious physical injury (SPI) or death will be photographed at

the direction of a supervisor. The supervisor shall determine which mode of
photographing shall be done.
C Rockland County BCI may be used to photograph serious incidents and must be
used to photographs homicide scenes.
D. Personally owned equipment.
1. Members may use, but are not required to use a personally owned digital
camera to take photographs duting an investigation or incident. Members
should only use digital cameras where the storage media can removed and
reformatted.
GO 324, Page 2 of 4
Members may use, but are not required to use a personally owned digital
device to take photographs during a criminal investigation. However,
members should limit the use of personally owned digital devices in
—-eriminal-investigations-ie-emergeney-situations-where-the-member inteds-. --
to document a rapidly changing scene and there is no time to obtain a
digital camera. Examples of such situations include;
a the first few minutes of a fire,

b. location of injured parties at a scene prior to being removed by
EMS,
Cc. condition of a vehicle involved in an accident prior to being
further damaged by rescue operations, and
d. to document evidence at risk of being destroyed due
to timeliness, weather conditions or other destructive forces.
Members should understand that the use of personally owned equipment

may subject that equipment to a judicial subpoena relating to any
subsequent court proceedings.
Photographs taken relating to an investigation or incident may not be

disseminated to persons outside the police depariment, through social
media or provided to any media outlet except as provided for in General
Orders 206 and 202,
Officers are permitted to use their personal devices to capture

photographs and video for submission when that information may meet
the objective of General Order 222, Social Media. This includes at the
scene of an incident, or at a public relations or community policing
function. Any information provided using personal devices for the
purposes of this policy, shall become the property of the Ramapo Police
Department,
FE. Documenting Photos and Videos taken.
1. All photographs or videos taken (other than MVR) taken in relation to an

investigation must be documented by the member who took them in the
Blotter/Event or Case Report in the Depariment’s Records Management
System. Ata minimum the following information must be included in
narrative,
a. The date the photographs or video were taken,

b. the number of photographs or videos taken,
i. This includes those which did not expose correctly or
appear unusable.
c the weather conditions at the time
d. the name and shield number of the member taking the
photographs or video.
GO 324, Page 3 of 4
The member may also document the above on a Department approved
form designed for such purpose, Such form shall be forwarded to Records
who will cause if to be uploaded to the Records Management System,
Photographs taken for the purposes of General Order 222, Social Media,
are not required to be documented in the Blotter/Event or Case unless such
photos are deemed to have evidentiary value for said Blotter/Event or
Case,
G. Stoting Photographs and Videos
i. All digital photographs or videos taken (other than MVR) in reference to a

criminal investigation must be uploaded to the Department’s Records
Management System. This includes any photographs which did not
expose correctly or appear unusable.
Upon confirming that the photographs have been successfully uploaded to

the Department's Records Management System the member should;
a. Reformat the media card, or
b. If unable to reformat the media card, delete the photographs or
videos from the equipment used to take them.
Digital photographs may be printed as needed for use by the investigating

member,
Digital photographs may be bumed to optical media (DVD or CD) as

needed by the investigating member
324.7 Release of Photographs and Videos
A. The release of photographs or video relating to investigations shall be guided by the

following.
1. General Order 602 as it pertains to the Records Division.
2. General Order 206, Public Information.
3. General Order 222, Social Media
GO 324, Page 4 of 4
GO 325, Underage Consumption of Alcohol
~Tows of Ramapo Police Department--——

GENERAL ORDER
General Order No. 325 Issuance Date: May 18, 2001
Subject: Underage Consumption of Alcohol
Accreditation Ref: .
325.1 Purpose
To outline the Departmental procedures involving calls for service related

to underage
consumption of alcohol,
‘
325.2 Policy
The prevention of the consumption of alcohol by persons under the age

of 21, and the
injuries, accidents and illegal acts which typically result therefrom, are a high
priority of
the Ramapo Police Department, and shall be addressed in an aggressive, yet
fair and
uniform manner. In situations involving underage consumption of alcohol,
and any acts
related thereto, the Ramapo Police Department shall maintain a “zero toleran
ce”
enforcement policy. To further the goals set forth in this policy, and to
heighten the
awereness of the community to the problems of alcohol consumption by minors,
the
Ramapo Police Department shall proactively release all information legally
possible as
relating to arrests involving under age consumption of alcohol.
325.3 Procedure
1. Department members who respond to or investigate situations involvi

ng underage
consumption of alcohol, and any acts related thereto, shall follow thé follow
ing
procedures:
a The Department’s zero tolerance policy applies to the actual

consumption or possession of alcohol by persons under the age of
21, as well as all related activities, including house parties, public
intoxication, consumption by minors, DWYP’s, and the sale of
alcoholic beverages to minors. :
GO 325, Page 1 of4

4, Upon completion of the investigation, officers shall make arrests when

there is reasonable cause to believe (probable cause) that an offense has
a Arrests shall be made in direct response to the immediate call, as

well as for violations relating to or resulting from the call.
Facts leading up to an arrest must be well documented in detail,

and include all notable actions and statements by suspects,
witnesses, and complainants.
(1) Officers should also make note for inclusion in the
incident report of other factors specific to these types of
incidents, such as the number of participants at a party or,
the number of vehicles involved or at the scene, whether
adults were present, and the types of alcohol and/or drugs
consumed.
5. In furtherance of thisDepatiment’s zero tolerance policy, the following
violations should be considered by responding officers, in addition to any
other crimes and violations which may be applicable: :
a, Driving While Intoxicated (GO 326) (V&T 1192);
b. Operating a Motor Vehicle Under The Age of 21 after having
consumed alcohol (GO326) (V&T 1192-a)
Providing alcohol (allowing, consenting, giving or selling) to a
person under the age of 21 (ABC Law 65-1);
Unlawfully Dealing With (providing alcohol to) a Child

(PL 260-4)
Providing alcohol (allowing, consenting, giving or selling) to an
intoxicated person (ABC Law 65-2);
Possession of an open container of alcoholic beverage in a public
place (various local laws);
Utilizing false photo identification by persons under the age of 21
to procure alcohol (ABC Law 65-b);
Disorderly Conduct (PL 240.20),
Criminal Nuisance Second Degree (PL 240.45);
‘Exposure of a Person (PL 245.01);
Public Lewdness (PL 245.00);
Endangering the Welfare of a Child (PL 260.10)
GO 325, Page 3 of 4
m, Possession of alcohol by persons under the age of 21 with intent to

_... .onsume same [ABC Law 65-C (3)];?
6. All arrests made pursuant to this order shall be handled in accordance
with current department policy including decisions to make custodial
arrests, issue summonses, seize property and vehicles, and make parental
notifications.
7, Copies of incident reports should be forwarded to the Department

Information Officer as soon as practicable after completion,
a. In addition to releasing information upon request, the Information
Officer shall proactively release as much information as possible
regarding these types of incidents, within the guidelines of the
Public Offices Law and (GO 206).
b. Information to be released, upon an arrest, shall include the

names, addresses, and locations of offenders, owners of homes
hosting house parties, DWI violators, and stores and persons
selling or supplying alechol to minors.
' Anat is prohibited for this violation, the violator may only be summonsed before a court having jurisdiction,
Officers may refer these violations to a local court for the purposes of issuing a summons by signing a complaint
against the violator for violation of the ABC Law section 65-c (3), NO ARREST REPORT/FILE is generated in
this matter. ,
GO 325, Page 4 of 4
GO 326, DWI & DWAI
- Fown-of Ramapo-Police-Department——--.
GENERAL ORDER
General Order No. 326 ‘Issuance Date: August 1, 2002
Subject: Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired
Cross Reference: GO 305, 318, 327, 606
Accreditation Ref: 47.5 Effective Date: August 1, 2002
Reevaluation | 4/04 | 12/08 | 01/14 | 5/16 Amended [4/04 | 12/08 | 02/14 | 05/16
326.1 Purpose
This policy sets forth department procedures with regards to the operation of a motor
vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol or a combination of drugs or alcohol in
violation of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. (amended 02/14)
326.2 Policy
Officers shall enforce all laws, and abide by the rules and guidelines, governing arrests
for driving while impaired or intoxicated and for all tasting subsequent to such arrests.
The preferable test to be conducted in typical driving while intoxicated cases to
determine blood alcohol content (BAC) shall be the breath test. Special exceptions exist
where a blood test or urine test will be the required test. (amended 02/14)
326.3 DWI/DWAI Motor Vehicle Accidents
A. Intoxicated/Impaired motorists involved in automobile accidents shall be processed

in accordance with this General Order.
1. The accident investigation and reporting procedures are set forth in
{GO 318].
2, A separate Impact Records case report is required detailing the investigation and
arrest of the motorist for the alcohol related offense.
326.4 Procedures- DWI and DWI arrests
A. Officers must have probable cause to believe an operator of a motor vehicle is

intoxicated or impaired by drugs ot alcohol or a combination of drugs and alcohol
before making a DWI or DWAI arrest. (amended 02/14)
1. Operation of a motor vehicle is defined as manipulating the vehicle for the
purpose of placing it in motion.
2. All facts leading up to the arrest must be documented. (amended 02/14)
GO 326, Page 1 of 7
GO 326, DWI & DWAI
a, These facts should include any notable actions by the suspect duting the initial
_Sbecrvation and stop, and the results of all field sobriety tests administered.
+i_-—field-sobriety-tests should -he-administered-prior-to-an-arrest,
ii. | The Department recognizes that situations may occur where
conditions prevent the administration of field sobriety tests. In
those incidences, officers shall note it in the case report.
fii, Field sobriety tests shall be properly administered in accordance
with the officer’s training. (amended 02/14)
iv. The “field sobriety test” section of the DWI Investigation Notes
should be completed at the scene. (new 02/14)
v. Aback up officer should be present to allow for the safe
administration and documentation of field sobriety test.
(new 02/14)
3, Alco-Sensor Tests:
a. It is the policy of this department that an Alco-Sensor test shall be given
in the following situations:
i, _ All fatal or serious personal injury accidents,
ii, All reckless driving violation incidents.
iti, In addition, testsmay be administered whenever the police officer
has the authority to issue a Uniform Traffic Ticket, ot as patt of the
investigation of a motor vehicle accident.
b. . The results of an Alco-Sensor test are to be considered, but should not
be conclusive in determining whether an arrest will be made.
6. Refusing to submit to an Alco-sensor breath test is a violation of the
Vehicle and Traffic law, and the officer may issue a summons to such
person for violating VIL 1194-b.
B. Upon establishing probable cause to believe an operator of a motor vehicle is

intoxicated by alcohol or impaired by drugs or alcohol or a combination of drugs and
alcohol, the officer shall: (amended 02/14)
1, Arrest the operator for driving while intoxicated [VIL 1192(3)}, or driving while
ability is impaired by drugs [VTL 1192(4)] or alcohol [VTL_1192(1)] or the
combined influence of drags and alcohol [VTL 1192(4-a)]. (amended 02/14)
2. Advise the suspect of the reason for the arrest;
3. The vehicle operated by a motorist charged with DWI/DWAI will be towed;
a Vehicles will be towed to a secure lot, not to police HQ, unless first
cleared by a supervisor.
b. Felony DWI/DWAI cases require the vehicle to be impounded. Only the
District Attorney’s Office can authorize the release of these vehicles.
4, Transport the subject to headquarters, unless medical treatment is required;
a If medical treatment is required, [GO 308] shall be adhered to in obtaining
such, and:
i. the officer shall accompany the arrested party to the hospital.
ii, the officer shall notify a supervisor that they are responding to the
hospital and request DWI forms from the supervisor.
5, Advise headquarters to check the suspects driving record to determine whether
the offense may be a misdemeanor or felony.
C. Upon attiving at headquarters with the suspect (or at the hospital), the officer shall:
GO 326, Page 2 of7
GO 326, DWI & DWAI
1. Obtain the required forms to process the attest, which include:
a, DWlinvestigative notes; famended 12/2008]
b, report of refusal to submit to a chemical test (contains warning);
or nee d lefendant.statemen form: : re :
t
d, property receipt;
e, atrest report;
£ combination supporting deposition and bill of particulars form;
i. This form may be completed using the Impact Records Management
system, (new 02/14)
g. certification of Breath Test Operator;
h, Miranda warnings;
1, towed vehicle card
2. Ask the suspect to submit to a chemical test by giving the suspect the required
. warnings regarding the consequences of refusing to take a chemical test;
a, These warnings shall be read directly from the “NYS-DMV Report
of Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test (DMV Form AA-134)” form.
b. If the subject refuses the test, the warnings shall be read two more times,
c. Ifthe defendant still refuses to take the test after the third reading, the refusal
should be recorded in the Datamaster instrument and a receipt ticket printed,
(new 02/14)
d. The times of the refusal shall be noted in the report,
e. Ifthe subject requests to speak to an attorney, he/she must be allowed to do so
IF such contact will not unreasonably interfere with the time requirements
of the test.
3. After the subject consents to take the chemical test, or refuses to take the test, the
subject will be read their Miranda Warnings.
4. Witness the breath test operator administer the breath test, if applicable, or follow
the guidelines in this order regarding tests to determine BAC inspecial
circumstances;
5. Ifthe subject is suspected of being under the influence of drugs and a Drug
Recognition Expert (DRE) is available, the DRE should be requested to respond to
the police station to evaluate the subject, (new 05/16)
6. Finish processing the suspect, and complete all necessary reports and forms.
a. [the results of any test indicate a BAC, beyond permitted levels, the subject
shall be charged under the appropriate sections of the New York State Vehicle
and Traffic Law and issued summonses for all underlying charges relating to
ot leading up to the arrest. (amended 02/14)
b. In addition to the above or when the results of any test are not available such
as when a blood test was used, or when a refusal to submit to a chemical test
has occurred, officers are to issue a summons for driving while intoxicated
VTL 1192 (3), or driving while ability is impaired by drugs [VTL 1192 (4)
of for driving while ability is impaired by a combination of drugs and alcohol
VTL 1192 (4-a)] (amended 02/14)
7, Officers are to be aware of [VTL 1192-2-a(b)] when children 15 years of age
or less are a passenger in the subject's vehicle at the time of the stop, and are to
charge such section when appropriate. (New 02/14)
8. Generally, release of an arrested subject shall be determined by the subject
*
condition, severity of the charges, and proper application of [GO 606].
D. Breath Testing Procedures . :

1, Although the two (2) hour time limit is not applicable, it is preferable that
GO 326, Page 3 of 7
GO 326, DWI & DWAT
tests be administered within two (2) hours of the time of arrest or from the time of
’ a breath-screening (Alco-Sensot) test.
2. The following procedures shall be followed if
the defendant hes been-read-the"DWLwarnings"——»
i, the arrested subject must expressly consent to a chemical test,
b, a breath test operator and instrument is available.
e. such test is appropriate under the circumstances of the arrest.
3. The twenty minute observation period of the defendant prior to providing
breath sample shall be conducted by the breath test operator. (new 02/14)
4. An adequate breath samaple shall be collected as set forth in the V&cT Law and shall
be analyzed with instruments meeting the criteria set forth in section 59.4 and 59.5
of chapter 897 of the Laws of the State of New York and promulgated in part 59 of
the administrative rules and regulations sub-chapter D of chapter 2 , Title 10 (Health
Law) of the official compilation of codes, rules and regulations of the State of New
York.
Breath test operators (BTO) shall be certified by the New York State Department of
Health and shall possess a valid permit to conduct such tests,
A Datamaster receipt ticket shall be used for all breath tests. (amended 02/14)
All test including refusals shall be recorded into the Datamaster log, (new 02/14)
E. Blood Testing Procedures

1 The following procedures shall be followed when a blood test is to be used under the
following circumstances:
a. The defendant is hospitalized,
b. The defendant is physically unable to submit to a breath test.
c. No breath test instrument or operator is available. ;
d. In cases where the arrest is made for violation of Section 1192-4 (drugs other
than alcohol), or 1192-4(a) (combined influence of drugs and alcohol.
(amended 02/14)
Blood samples shall be collected only by those persons authorized by Section 1194-
4 (a) (1). (amended 02/14)
If the defendant consents to the test, the arresting officer, prior to withdrawal of
blood sample, will:
a. Inform hospital personnel that the defendant is under arrest and request that
the proper personnel withdraw sample of blood from the defendant for
chemical analysis,
b. Witness the withdrawal of blood.
i, The arresting officer shal] ensure that the blood sample is collected
according to the directions on the blood sample kit, (new 0274)
¢. © Hospitals will only take a blood sample at the direction of a police officer
and ifthe defendant grants permission by signing a hospital consent form.
Ifthe express consent of an arrested party is not available, such as with
unconscious or ill subjects, the party is deemed to have consented to the test
pursuant to [VIL 1194 (2)] of the Vehicle and Traffic law. Thus, upon direction of
4 Police Officer, competent medical authority shall administer the test,
a. Under this section, the test must be administered within two (2) hours of
_ __ the time of arrest,
b. The test under this section will generally be a blood test, since the most
common occurrence is with unconscious parties.
GO 326, Page 4 of7

.
GO 326, DWI & DWAI
c. This section is NOT applicable where there is express refusal.
5. After the blood sample has been obtained utilizing a forensic blood
= scollection kit provided-to-the hospital, the-atresting-officer will-place-the —.

blood kit into “Perishable Evidence” refrigerator. (amended 02/14)
6. Ifthe arrested party expressly refuses to submit to a chemical test, the police
response depends on the circumstances of the atrest.
a, The “Report of Refusal to Submit to a Chemical Test” shall be completed
and submitted along with all other reports,
b. If the requirements of [VIL 1194-3] ave met, a Police Officer or District
Attomey may request and obtain a coust order to compel the person to
submit to a chemical test.
i, The on-call Assistant District Attorney shall be notified of the
incident and the need for a compulsory court order for a blood test.
ii. Generally, [VTL 1194-36] requires that the officer have
reasonable cause to believe that;
(1) the operator caused serious injury or death to another
person, and; .
‘(2) such person has been lawfully arrested, and:
(3) such person has refused to submit to a chemical test or any
portion thereof, and;
(4) such person either
(a) _was operating the vehicle in violation of
TL 1192}, or .
(b) _was given a breath screening test (Alco-sensor)
which indicated consumption of alcohol.
[VTL1194-b
7. A court order under this section is the equivalent of a search warrant,
and as such
there is no required time limit as to the administration of the test.
a. However, it is preferable to obtain the blood sample within two hours
after arrest,
8. All test including refusals shall be recorded in the Datamaster log. (new 02/14)
F. Urine Test Procedure (new 02/14)

1, Utine test are the least preferred test and officers should attempt to obtain
blood test when possible, .
2. The following procedures shall be followed when a urine test is to be used.
a, The defendant is physically unable to submit to a chemical test,
b, A breath test operator is not available,
c, The defendant will not submit to a blood test. ;
3, Urine samples shall be collected using a “Biological Specimen” kit.
a. The arresting officer shall ensure that the directions provided with the
kit are followed.
4, After the urine sample has been collected using the “Biological Specimen”
kit the
arresting officer shall place the kit into the “Perishable Evidence” refrigerator,
5. All test including refusals shall be recorded in the Datamaster log.
G DWIDWAI arrest with Children under 18 inthe Vehicle.

1. Whenever a subject is arrested for DWI/DWAI and there ate children present
in:
the offender’s motor vehicle, the officer shall ensute that the children
are safely
GO 326, Page 5 of 7
GO 326, DWI & DWAI
turned over to another responsible party, or notify CPS to respond to police HQ to
make similar arrangements. :
2. The arresting officer will notify CPS via the toll free 800 phone number and make
ane -refervaly: .
a. IfCPS accepts the case, the officer will complete a Report of Suspected Child
Abuse or Maltreatment (form DSS-2221-A), and forward to CPS.
b. IF CPS declines to accept the case, the arresting officer will note same in the
report. .
3. Additional criminal charges should be considered by the arresting officer such as
Endangering the Welfare of a Child or Reckless Endangerment,
a, DWI/DWAL alone is not sufficient to charge endangerment;
i, additional acts by the subject such as speeding, swerving, failure to yield
right of way, not using a child restraint seat, etc. along with the
DWY/DWAI charge are required by case law to support these type of
charges,
H. DMV Refusal Hearings

1. Officers shall notify their supervisor when they are required to appear at a DMV
refusal hearing. :
2, They shall be prepared for the hearing as they would for any other official hearing
and bring with them all required documents.
3. Officers shall notify the District Attomey’s office PRIOR to testifying at any
DMV heating(s) that result(s) from FATAL/SPI accidents in which any subject
involved has been charged with any alcohol related offense under [VTL1192].
326.5 Datamaster Calibrations
A. Periodic Testing
1, Only Datamaster certified operators are authorized to conduct tests on the
Datamaster.
2, The Datamaster shall be tested on a weeldy basis. A receipt ticket shall be printed
and an entry shall be made in the weekly test book,
a. Simulator solution will be changed every 30 days at or about the beginning
ofeach month. An entry will be made in weekly test book that the solution
has been changed.
3. DCIS in Albany will periodically test the Datamaster via modem to ensure that is
functioning correctly. Records of these remote calibrations are maintained by
DCIS. .
4. The Datamaster will be physically taken to DCJS in Albany at least annually for
calibration and testing.
a. DCJS may calibrate the Datamaster via modem every six months in addition.
to the once a year physical examination in Albany.
b. Calibration records will be stored here at police HQ.
5. Any time the Datamaster is removed or out of service an entry will be made in
the weekly test book.
326.7 Summary of Test Situations Subsequent to Arrest:
a. Express consent:
i, Breath test, or blood or urine test, as appropriate.
GO 326, Page 6 of 7
GO 326, DWI & DWAI
iii, Preferably within two hours of breath screening (Alco-sensor) or
arrest.
seh, _Consent.not.available.(unconscious,-etc.)-+--
i. By direction of a Police Officer, a blood test or0 urine test(drugs),
as appropriate.
ii. Within two hours of arrest.
c. Express refusal (after DWI. warnings)
i. Completion of refusal form, or;
ii, Court ordered test if the requirements of: [VIL 1194-3] are met,
(1) NO two hour limit, but it is preferred.
GO 326, Page 7 of 7
GO 328, Naloxone
Fown-of Ramapo Police Department

GENERAL ORDER
Subject: Naloxone
Cross Reference: Effective Date: June 20, 2014
Accreditation Ref: :
328.1Purpose
With an increase in opioid drag overdoses in the State of New York, tho use of Naloxone,
an intranasal prescription medication, has proven to be effective in providing medical
_ Gare to petsous who have overdosed on opioid drugs, Accordingly, Trained Patrol
Officers may administer intranasal naloxone to persons who appear to be suffering from -
an opioid overdose
328,2Definitions
4
NALOXONE - An intranasal presoriptioh medication that can be used to reverse the
effects of an opioid drug overdose,
OPIOIDS — Opioid drugs include, but are not limited to, heroin, morphine, oxycodone,
methadone, hydrocodone, and codeine.
328.3Policy
A. Pursuant to NYS Pubic Health law Part 80.138, the Town of Ramapo Police
Department [RPD] is a participant and in partnership with Rockland Paramedic
Services, Inc.[RPS], a registered NYS Depatiment of Health [NYSDOH] Opioid
Overdose Prevention Program, to train and equip RPD Officers to administer
nasal Naloxone as a 1* responder to meilical emergencies.
B, The RPD and RPS have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding

authorizing this participation,
C. In addition to 1 responder medical response, a properly trained officer may

administer intranasal naloxone whenever they reasonably believe that an aided is
the victim. of an opioid drug overdose based on observation, physical signs,
witness statements, etc...
Go 328, Page 1 of 3
GO 328, Naloxone
D. Pursuant to NYS Public Health Law Section 3309, “Use of an opioid antagonist
pursuant to this section shall be considered first aid or emergency treatment for
the-purpos
any statutee’of
relating-to ability’,
328,4Procedures
A, Officers will verify that an intranasal Naloxone kit is stored with their assigned
at the start of each shift and insure that it is not damaged or expired,
B. Intranasal Naloxone is to be administeted in the following manner:
1. Pry the cap from the plastic application tube.

» Remove the cap from the naloxone ampule.
Pep
Insert the nasal cone into the appropriate end of the plastic tube,
Gontly screw the naloxone ampule into the barrel of the plastic
application tube, ‘
5. Insert the nasal cons into a nostril while depressing the naloxone
ampule into the tube,
6. Spray one half of the naloxone into each nostril.
7, Ifthe aided has not responded within three to five minutes after
administering the first dose, a second dose may be administered.
8. Notify responding EMS that Naloxone is being admisistered. .
9, The used Naloxone device (plastic tube, naloxone ampule, nasal cone)
is to be retained and turned over to the responding EMS for proper
disposal.
C. Officer Safety
1. Intranasal Naloxone is generally offective within five to ten minutes of

administration. If an individual was suffering from an opioid drug overdose,
intranasal naloxone may cause that petson to regain consciousness and resume
normal breathing, However, Officers are reminded to use proper tactics when
administering this drug; persons who are revived from an opioid overdose
may regain consciousness in an agitated and combative state and may exhibit
symptoms associated with withdrawal.
D. Reporting
1, In addition to.a medical case report (blotter), Officers are to complete and
submit a NYSDOH Opioid Overdose Reporting Form. Completed Forms
shall be submitted to and reviewed by a Supervisor and forwarded to
Records, Records Personnel will retain the original completed form and fax a
copy to RPS for submission to the NYSDOH, .
2. Confidentiality of Records, The RPD and RPS have agreed to hold all
individually identifiable information obtained, learned or developed under or
in connection with the Naloxone Program confidential in accordance with
applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations,
GO 328, Page 2 of 3
GO 328, Naloxone
E. Maintenance
‘The Naloxone Progiatir Manager of Ussigiee Shull be nespoIRiON Tor

maintaining inventory and the restocking of the intranasal naloxone kits in the
medical closet to include the replacement of expired kits, Officers are to
inspect and ensure that issued intranasal naloxone kits are not expired or
damaged at the start of each shift, Expired or damaged intvanasal naloxone
kits ate to be taken out of service and turned over to a Supervisor, The
Supervisor will advise the Naloxone Piogram Manager.
GO 328, Page 3 of 3
GO 330, M/V Searches
GENERAL ORDER
General Order No, 330. Issuance Date: September 6, 2002
Subject: M/V Searches ,
Cross Reference: GO 311, 331-2 Effective Date: September 20, 2002
Acereditation Ref:
330.1 Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide officers with guidelines for the search of
motor
vehicles,
330.2 Policy
It is the policy of this Department to conduct motor vehicle searches that are both legal
and thorough. Such seatches are to be conducted in strict observance of the constitut
ional
rights of the owner and occupants of the motor vehicle being searched, and with
due
regard for the safety of officers and persons involved. :
330.3 Definitions.
Motor Vehicle: Any vehicle operating or capable of being operated on public streets or
highways to include automobiles, trucks, trailers, recreational vehicles, mobile homes,
motor homes, and any other type of vehicle, whether self-propelled or towed. This policy
does not apply to vehicles of any type that have been immobilized in one location for use
as a temporary of permanent residence or storage facility, or which are otherwise
classified by the law as residences or buildings.
Search: An examination of all or a portion of the vehicle with an investigative motive

(Le., for the purpose of discovering fruits, instramentalities or evidence of a crime or
contraband, or to enter the vehicle to examine the vehicle identification number or to
determine the ownership of the vehicle).
GO 330, Page 1 of 5
330.4 Procedures
A. When Vehicle Searches May Be Conducted
Whenever reasonable, a warrant should be obtained for the search

of a motor
vehicle. Warrantless searches may be conducted when lack of time
or other
exigencies make it impractical for officers to obtain a warrant. When
a vehicle has
broken down, or there is otherwise no significant chance the vehicle
will be driven
away or that evidence contained within it will be removed or destroy
ed, the vehicle
should be searched after a warrant has been obtained. In other cases,
vehicles
may be seatched: .
when probable cause to search the vehicle exists;

whe
with consent of the operator;

incident to an atvest of the occupants of thevehicle;
to frisk for weapons;
VP
when necessary to examine the vehicle identification number or to determ

ine the
ownership of the vehicle; or
6. under emergency circumstances not otherwise enumerated above,
B, Scope of Vehicle Searches
1. Searches with a warrant. When seatching under a wattant, officers may search
all
areas of the vehicle unless the warrant states otherwise,
Probable cause searches, Probable cause searches may extend to all areas of the
motor vehicle, unless the probable cause is limited to a specific area of the vehicle,
a specific item or limited due to the size of an item.
a. Once probable cause to search is established, a search may be conducted
without a warrant even though thete are adequate opportunities thereafter to
obtain a wasrant,
b, When conducting these or other legal searches of motor vehicles, officers may
also inspect passengers’ belongings found in the vehicle, provided that the
belongings being searched are capable of concealing the type of object for
which the police have probable cause to search.
Consent searches. The extent of a consent search depends upon the terms of the
consent itself, If the consent is limited to specific areas of the vehicle, officers
may search only portions of the vehicle covered by the consent. Written consent
should be obtained whenever possible before conducting these searches [DF 41].
a. AU.T.T or a warning should be issued prior to the consent search.
b. Ifoperator revokes his/her consent to the search, then the search must cease,
and the officer must decide on whether to obtain a search wartant.
GO 330, Page 2 of 5
. Searches incident to arrest. Searches of vehicles incident to the artest of an.
occupant shall be limited to areas within reach of the arrestee (normally the
passenger area of the vehicle). The trunk, the engine compartment and locked
passenger area ly may not be searched,“ ---------- -
. Frisk for Weapons. Frisks for weapons nonmally must be confined to the
passenger area of the vehicle. Generally, areas accessible to passengers, may be
frisked,
. Entries to examine a vehicle identification number or to determine ownership of

the vehicle, Entries made to examine the vehicle identification number or to
determine the ownership of the vehicle must be limited to actions reasonably
necessary to accomplish these goals, Note: Some obvious VIN locations are on
the dashboard, side of the car's door, and on the firewall between the engine and
the passenger compartment.
. Emergencies, Search of a motor vehicle in an emergency must be reasonable in

accordance with the nature of the emergency. The proper extent of the search must
therefore be determined by search personnel in each specific situation, but in no
event will the extent of the search exceed that necessary to respond properly to the
emergency.
a. Where the initial search discloses probable cause to believe that other
portions of the vehicle may contain fruits, instrumentalities or evidence of a
crime or contraband, any additional portions of the vehicle may be searched
that could reasonably contain the items being sought.
. Search of Containers Found in Vehicle
Containers in motor vehicles should not be searched unless they could contain the
item(s) being sought. In addition:
1, Unlocked containers found in motor vehicles are governed by the nature of the
search, as follows:
a, Ina probable cause search, containers such as paper bags, cardboard boxes,
wrapped packages, and so forth, wherever found in the vehicle, may be
opened,
b. When the passenger compartment of a vehicle is being searched incident to an
artest, unlocked containers found within the passenger compartment may be
opened.
c. Containers discovered during a consent seatch of the vehicle may be opened
provided that the terms of the consent expressly permit or reasonably imply
that the particular container may be opened.
d. Containers found in a vehicle under circumstances that do not justify their
search under probable cause rules or in connection with a search incident to
arrest should be secured but not searched until a warrant is obtained to search
them.
GO 330, Page 3 of 5
2. Locked containers found duting a vehicle search should be opened if

a, the search is being conducted under a warrant; or
ba valid’ consent to open the locked container is first oblained. Where these
conditions are not met, locked containers should be secured by search
personnel and opened after a warrant has been obtained.
D. Location and Time of Search
Whenever possible, search of a motor vehicle and containers found therein should be
conducted at the location where the vehicle was discovered or detained. Under
exigetit circumstances, search of the vehicle or container may be delayed and/or
conducted after the vehicle or container has been moved to another location.
However, searches shall be conducted as soon as reasonably possible; that is, as soon.
as adequate personnel are available to conduct a thorough search with due regard for
the safety of officers, citizens and property concerned.
. Conduct of the Search
Motor vehicle searches shall be conducted in a manner that minimizes the

intrusiveness of the search and the inconvenience caused to vehicle owners, occupants
and other persons involved, while maximizing the safety of all.
1. Police officers may order persons out of an automobile during a routine stop of a
motor vehicle for a traffic infraction or for other legitimate reasons, even in the
absence of suspicion of criminal activity or areasonable belief that those persons
pose a threat to police safety!.
2. Where possible, damage to the vehicle or to other property in the course of the
seatch should be avoided, Where unavoidable, such damage should be confined to
that reasonably necessary to carry out asafe and thorough search.
3. Officers should be aware of suspicious wires that are not factory installed. These
wires may be indicative of concealed compartments.
. Seizure of Evidence
Any evidentiary items discovered in the course of a motor vehicle search shall be
collected, handled, packaged, marked, transported, and stored in accordance with
applicable policies and procedures of this Department. Where practicable, itemized
receipts for seized property shall be given to the owner or occupants of the vehicle.
"Pennsylvania v. Mimms, 434 U.S, 106 (1997)

Maryland v, Jerry Lee Wilson 95-1268 (FEB97)
GO 330, Page 4 of 5
. GO 330, M/V Searches
G. Compliance with Health and Safety Requirements
Searches of motor vehicles are to be conductedi

~ _-daWs,
Governmental regulations, and deparinient: liance with applicable
cedures pertai
to.ning
the protection of departmental personnel from communicable diseases and hazardous
substances. Any exposure of search personnel or others to such substances shall be
reported in accordance with regulations, policies and procedures of this department,
[GO 802]
H, Security of Vehicles and Property Contained Therein
If search of a vehicle leaves the vehicle or any property contained therein vulnerable to
unauthorized entry, theft or damage, search personnel shall take such steps as are
reasonably necessary to secure and/or preserve the vehicle or property from such
hazards, ,
1. A vehicle that needs to be processed further (searched, inventoried, dusted for /
ptints, etc.) will be towed in accordance with [GO 332].
1 Abandoned Vehicles
Examination of a vehicle that has been abandoned on a public thoroughfare is not a

search. If an officer can determine in advance that the vehicle has been abandoned,
examination of the interior of the vehicle is permissible.
GO 330, Page5 of 5
GO 331, M/V Inventories
Town of Raniapo Policé Department ——-_-----|-

GENERAL ORDER
General Order No, 331 Issuance Date: January 23, 2002
Subject: Motor Vehicle Inventories
Cross Reference: GO 332 Impounds Effective Date: January 31, 2002
Accreditation Ref:
331.1 Purpose
The purpose of this General Order is to provide officers with guidelines fordetermining
when and how a motor vehicle inventory should be conducted.
331.2 Policy
A motor vehicle inventory is an administrative measure designed to document as well as
protect motor vehicles and their contents while in police custody; to protect the agency
against claims of lost, stolen ot damaged property; and to protect departmental personnel
and the public against injury or damaged property due to hazardous materials or
substances that may be in the vehicle. It is the policy of this Department to safeguard the
above property and interests and to conduct motor vehicle inventories in accordance with
the following procedures,
3313 Procedures
A. Legal Authority to Inventory
1 An authorized member of this agency may conduct a motor vehicle

inventory without a warrant or probable cause when
a. The vehicle has been lawfully seized or impounded pursuant to
the arrest of the driver; before or after towing the vehicle for
violations, or for related enforcement or safety reasons as defined
by law, and
b. When officers conduct the inventory within the scope of this
policy as an administrative procedure.
GO 331, Page 1 of2 , i

GO 331, M/V Inventories
2
Examination of the contents of a motor vehicle pursuant to a criminal
investigationor with the intent of discovering evidence of a ctime is a
{+ en SESS HOT a elmsttatVe MVELIDAY fLicets § al beguided By this ———-———++
Department’s policy on motor vehicle searches when engaged in these
actions [GO 330 Motor Vehicle Searches}.
B. Scope of Inventory
1. The contents of all motor vehicles that are lawfully seized and/or
impounded by this agency shall be subject to inventory in accordance with
provisions of section (331.3 A) of this order.
An inventory should be conducted in the location at which the vehicle is
seized unless limited by reasons of safety or practicality. If so, it may be
inventoried at a later time following the impoundment, °
The owner or operator of the vehicle shall be asked to remove, if possible,
all valuables from the vehicle prior to impoundment. If such items cannot
be removed, they shall be inventoried, and the owner/operator shall be
tequested to verify the completeness of inventory by signature.
a. Inability to or refusal to sign the inventory shall be noted on
Department Form (DF 149) Motor Vehicle Inventory.
A motor vehicle inventory may extend to all areas of the vehicle in which
personal property or hazardous materials may reasonably be found,
including but not limited to the passenger compartment, trunk, console and
glove compartment.
All closed containers found within the vehicle shall be opened for
purposes of the inventory. Locked containers generally shall not be forced
open but shall be logged on (DF 149), as such. Ifa key or lock
combination is available, locked containers may be opened and
inventoried
a, locked containers may be forced open where circumstances
indicate that the contents could present a safety hazard or when
highly valuable contents must be removed for safekeeping,
C. Property Control
1. Property shall be itemized on (DF 149).

a, (DF 149) shall be submitted to records with the case file.
2. Officers may remove any items they deem highly valuable, dangerous,
illegal or suspicious from the vehicle and indicate their removal as such on
(DF 149).
Any items removed shall be secured for safekeeping, and if not returned to
pone
the owner or his/her agent they shall be deposited with the evidence
custodian in accordance with procedures for control of evidence,
a, If possible, a property receipt shall be provided to the
owner/operator for items placed into safekeeping.
GO 331, Page2 of2

GO 332, M/V Impounds
GENERAL ORDER
General Order No. 332 , Issuance Date: February 18, 2002
Subject: Motor Vehicle Impounds & Towing co
Cross Ref: GO 331 M/V Inventory Effective Date: February 25, 2002
332.1 Purpose
It is the purpose of this policy to provide guidelines for towing and impoun
ding motor
vehicles,
332.2, Policy
Officers are routinely faced with questions of whether to impound or tow

motor vehicles
for purposes of safekeeping property, securing evidence, protecting the public,
or securing
property under asset forfeiture statutes, among other reasons, This policy
provides
‘guidelines that officers should use to answer these questions.
332.3 Definitions
Impoundment: For the purposes of this policy, the seizing of, and placing of
a motor
vehicle in police custody for a legitimate police purpose.
Public Assistance Towing: Impoundment should be contrasted with towing

of disabled
and other motor vehicles for purposes of public safety. While these may involve a
legitimate police purpose, they do not involve custody of the vehicle by the
Department or
authorization of the Department for its release.
332.4 Procedures
A. General
1. Vehicles that are to subject to impoundment shall only be towed by towing

services authorized by this Department.
GO 332, Page 1 of 5
Vehicles impounded by or otherwise taken into the custody of this agency

shall be inventoried in a manner consistent with Department policy.
(GO-331= tor ies)MAV=Enrven es
When impoundments ate ordered, the oceupant(s) should not be stranded,
Officers shall take those measures necessary to ensure that the occupant(s)
of the vehicle are provided transportation,
a Transportation to police HQ shall satisfy this requirement.
b. Officers may, but are not required to arrange transportation to
other locations requested by the occupant(s).
Impounded vehicles shall be released to owneis with proof of ownership
and personal identification, and following proof of payment of any
impoundment, storage, or related fees and taxes.
Vehicles used in the commission of a crime, or in violation of section 1192
of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law that are subject to impound
shall be photographed at the scene. Three photos identifying the front, rear
and drivers side of the vehicle shall be taken and submitted to records.
a. At least one photograph shall identify the license plate of the
vehicle if it has one,
b. Polaroid pictures are an acceptable form of documentation.
Impoundment for Evidence
1. A vehicle shall be towed if'a subject is arrested and/or one of the following
circumstances exists:
a, The vehicle was used as a major instrument in a crime.
b. . The vehicle contains evidence of a crime that cannot be
processed at the scene and must be secured to ensure its
evidentiary integrity.
Officers should not unnecessarily impound motor vehicles for purposes of
gathering evidence when such processing can be reasonably, effectively,
and safely conducted at or near the scene.
A “hold” may be placed on any vehicle impounded for evidence for such
period of time necessary to complete evidence collection.
a “Holds” on vehicles must be approved by a supervisor.
b. Investigating officers shall complete their investigation in a
timely manner so that it can be released to the owner.
Vehicles requiring processing should be towed directly to the forensic
agency charged with the processing.
a An officer shall follow the tow to maintain the chain of evidence
until the vehicle is turned over to j
GO 332, Page 2 of 5
C. —_ Impoundment of Recovered Stolen Vehicles
1—Tenpou of stolen vehicles

ndii ur Suspected
entstolen VeniCles 13 appropriates ———
when the following circumstances exist:
a The owner cannot be contacted,
db. The owner is contacted and cannot or will not respond in a
reasonable amount of time, or
c. Tromediate removal is necessary for safety reasons or purposes of
safekeeping.
D. Impoundment Related to Motor Vehicle Crashes.
1, Vehicles may be impounded if the vehicle is needed for purposes of the

investigation following a vehicle crash, Such cases may but do not
necessarily involve custody of the operator.
2. Additionally, officers may request impoundment when the operator is
unwilling or unable to take charge of the vehicle, and.
a The vehicle cannot be legally parked and sufficiently secured at
: the scene, or
b. There is property in or attached to the vehicle that cannot be
sufficiently secured at the scene or placed in the custody of a
responsible third party.
E. impoundment for Forfeiture
1, Officers may impound a motor vehicle with the intent of initiating

forfeiture proceedings when the vehicle is used in the commission of a
crime as specified by law.
a Officers shall contact a supervisor before initiation forfeiture
proceedings.
B Other Bases for Impoundment
Officers may cause the impoundment of a vehicle in other circumstances such as

when:
a vehicle is found displaying license plates not assigned to that vehicle, or

eer
a VIN number has been removed, replaced, or purposely modified, or

a vehicle, because of faulty equipment, is determined to be a hazard if
‘operated, or
a vehicle is parked illegally and no operator is present, or
wP
a vehicle is abandoned and:

a Has been left on the roadway in a position where it may impeded
traffic or create a hazard, or
b. Fits the description of a vehicle used in the commission of a
crime, or appears to have been involved in a recent motor vehicle
accident, or
6. otherwise permitted by state or local law.
GO 332, Page 3 of 5
G. Public Assistance Towing

~ NO INVENTORY-IS- CONDUCTED IN PUBLIC ASSI
STANCE TOWING ne i
SITUATIONS.
Officers may order that vehicle be towed under the follow

ing types of
circumstances:
1, Danger to the Public

Vehicles that present a danger to the public may be towed.
Typically these
involve the following circumstances:
a, Disabled vehicles with the operator present that cannot be moved
from the roadway and that are in a position where they may
impeded traffic or create a hazard;
b, Vehicles parked illegally with the Operator present,
2. Aid to Motorists
Officers may request towing services for motorists,
a Following vehicle crashes or in other instances where involv
ed
vehicles are not operable, or
db When for other reasons such as the sickness of the operato
r, the
vehicle cannot be left at the scene without substantial tisk oftheft
from or damage to the vehicle or petsonal property contained
therein. .
3, In situations related to Public Assistance Towing, motorists
may request
their own private tow service, Absence a motorist tequest, officers are
.
required to utilize authorized department towing services,
332.4 Supporting Documentation
A. In all cases the officer shall document towing of a vehicle,
1. Information on vehicles towed for any reason other than impound for
evidence shall be recorded on Department Form DE-29,
a. Vehicles towed as a result of a motor vehicle accident are to be
documented in an accident report,
b. DF-29 is not required in these cases, unless the vehicle is
impounded as a result of the accident.
2. Information on vehicles towed for evidence shall be recorded on
Department Form DF-30.
3. Forms DF-29/30 shall be maintained in communications,
a, Communications personnel shall complete their portion of the tow
card, and tow log as required,
4, In addition to DF 29/30, a separate police report shall be filed,
a exception- motor vehicle accidents as outlined above in A-1.
GO 332, Page 4 of 5
B. An attempt to contact owners unaware of towing is to be done by the officer
authorizing the towing.
EE No tifontionr by plioniey fir; Or personal Visit Shalt De TORAHIT HE poliGe

=
report submitted by the officer.
2. — Ffnotification is not successful, then the officer must ensure
that a letter is
sent via United States Mail indicating that the vehicle has been towed, to
the owner at the address contained in the registration. :
a A copy of form DF 29/30 sent to the registered owner shall satisfy
this requirement.
Cc. Release of Vehicles
1. + The officer authorizing the tow, must indicate if vehicle can be teleaged
to
the owner, and if not, why.
332.5 Department Impound Lot
A Supervisory Approval
1, No vehicles shall be towed to the secure department impound lot without

prior approval of a supervisor. Officers shall indicate in their report the
name of the supervisor granting approval,
a. ‘The bottom portion of form DF-30 shall be placed on the
dashboard of the vehicle. _
b. The keys are NOT to be left in the vehicle, but are to be attached
to the evidence tag as noted in section 2 below. (amended 03/08)
G. No keys are to be attached to DF-30. :
2. Vehicles placed in the secure \EMMimpound jot shall be considered
evidence and tagged and maintained as such. An evidence tag shall be
completed (and attached keys-if available) shall be placed into the
evidence locker. (amended 03/05)
B. Authority to Release
L The officer authorizing the tow, must indicate if vehicle can be released to
the owner, and if not, why.
a" Vehicles towed as evidence either to a forensic location or to the
police impound lot shall not be released without the approval of
an Assistant District Attorney.
b. The officer authorizing release shall complete DF-30 indicating
the approval, if granted. The owner will be advised as follows:
The owner may pick up this vehicle after making an appointment with
the evidence custodian or impound officer. Proof of payment for towing,
storage and taxes must be provided to this department before release
2. Upon approval and payment of fees, physical release of the vehicle to the
owner shall be done by the evidence custodian or impound officer,
GO 332, Page 5 of 5
GO 333, Liconse-Plate Reader
Town of Ramapo Poli

ce Department
GENERAL ORDER
General Order No,
333 Issuance Dates
Subject: License Plata Re December 9, 2010
ader
Cross Reference:
Accreditation Ref: Effective Date: December
9, 2010
Distribution: An Memb
erg Reseinded Date:
Issuing Authority: Chie
f Petey Brower
333.1 Purpose:
oo
The purpose of this Polioy
is to provide uniform and
License Plate Reader (LP proper use of the Mobile
R).
333.2 Policy:
The Mobile License Plate

Rea der (LPR) ig a vehiole-momt
is capable of reading and
analyzing data from loense ed camera system that
oncoming vehicles in traf plates attached to hoth
fic and parked oars, The
tool for use in criminal inv LPR Tepresents an innovativ
estigations, stolen vehicl e -
compliance, missing pers e recovery, scofflay
ons/AMBER Alett recove
busitisis, It stall be the Doli¢y ries and er official
LPR as often as possible
of thé Raméipo Police Depirtoth iicntto utllize the
in conjunction with the fol
lowing procedures,
333.3 Procedures:
A. Guidelines:
1, All LPR units (catneras

and Processors) shall be
mainfactureys Specifica installed in accordance wit
tions, Ishall be used for' h
official busiitess only,
Canadian province Of the

associated plate Correspon
Before stopping a vehicl ding to the “hie’,
e based on the LPR hit, offi
that the State of the wanted cers should verify
plate matohes the plate num
on their screen, ber and state
GO 333, Page f of 3
i
}i
!
i!
=:
GO 333, License Plate Reader
3. Before conducting a traffic stop solely on the LPR alanm the officer
should verify the alarm information with aDepartment of Motor
Vehicle inquiry,
4, During the course of a tour when alarms are issued by Radio

Headquarters for wanted/missing persons, stolen vehicles, Amber
Alerts or any other type where an associated license plate is given,
officers using an LPR equipped vehicle should enter the new license
plate into the LPR database and record the entered plate on the LPR.
log,
5 During an AMBER Alert the LPR-equipped vehicle(s) should be

deployed immediately ifit is not in service. The LPR's shall be used to
search for the vehicle throughout the duration of tle AMBER Alert,
6. License plate information retrieved by the LPR’s shall be kept in

storage for a period of one year,
7. Data may be entered or searched in the LPR and or LPR. database to assist in
official business of the Town of Ramapo Police Department,
§. Data may be entered or searched in the LPR and or LPR database to assist in
official business of another law enforcement agency with authorization of a
Town of Ramapo Police Department Supervisor.
. Security:
1. All unattended patrol vehicles with LPR's shall be locked when

left unattended,
2. LPR equipment that has been removed from a vehicle shall be

stored in a secure location to be determined by the program
Sergeant.
3. The LPR equipmentshall be removed from the vehtoleifthe vehicle is

scheduled to be out of service for an extended period of time.
Notinal vehicle maintenance (oil/tire changes, minor radio repair, etc.) does
not require removal of the equipment.
GO 333, Page 2 of3

GO 333, License Plate Reader
C. Maintenance:
1 The LPR database needs to be updated ones daily by installing the

file on the in-car laptop computer, Officers can
obtaln the update file when acquiring thelr daily TraCS update. Officers wilt
be instructed on how to update the LPR database as part of the TraCS
program. Additionally, alarms that have been entered by the officer and that
have been subsequently cancelled should bs removed from the database,
‘The rooftop cameras need not be removed for the purposes of ranning
an LPR-equipped vehicle through an antomatic carwash,
Officers may use a damp cloth or paper towel to clean the surface of the
roof-top cameras if they become excessively dirty and performance suffers.
Any problems with the equipment andlor software should be reported

to aduty Supervisor iramediately, Supervisors shall make proper notifications
for repair. /
GO 333, Page 3 of3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION I— INTRODUCTION 1
1 - STATEMENT ......c.cccccsescssessssssscsesssscnsensesesncescssssesesssessessssssscesesssssesenessavacsausseaseasaes 1
2- DEFINITIONS .....cccccesssscsesscsessessesssesseesessssssscssssssasacescseveessvacaceaseasaassesacseceneeeavensnes 1
3.- ANNUAL REVIEW ......ccccscsssssssessssscseseescsensscoessesestcasscesssassessssscsssserssscnscesveevsursvaseces 2
SECTION II — FINANCIAL POLICIES 1
A- BANK ACCOUNTS ...csccsssssssssessssscscsesecssseenseseesesssecsussessesssessseseacsavsvaserseacenvsavseaavas 3

5- BANK RECONCILIATION . c cs es s es c s cesvcse as es atensi eav es 5
6- BUDGET 0.0... eee 6
7- CAPITAL ASSETS ....c.ccceseseeeee 9
8 - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN.. 12
9- CASH MANAGEMENT ........000 13
10 - COMPENSATED ABSENCES. 19
11 - CREDIT CARDS ..........0044 20
12 - DEBT MANAGEMENT..... 21
13 — DISPOSITION OF ASSETS 23
14 - EMPLOYEE SEPARATION 25
15 — ETHICS woe cceeeteteeseeseee 27
16 - EXPENDITURES ....... 29
17 - FINANCIAL REPORTING.. 31
18 - FUND BALANCE.......eceeeee 33
19 - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY....... 34
20 - INTERFUND TRANSFERS AND LOANS.. 36
21 - INVESTMENTS ......cccscccsessesesseseeres 38
22 - JOURNAL ENTRIES ...... 44
23 - MULTIYEAR PLANNING.......cccsceseeesessersseeessesensssenees 45
24- OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS ......:cscsceseseres 46
25 - OVERTIME .....ccescssssessesesssssessneeeeeeens wA7
26 - PAYROLL .....esecesesessesesseseesescsssecessssesesaesessecnessesessesetaesseaneacsases 48
27 - Post ISSUANCE AND CONTINUING DISCLOSURE (DEBT) ........ 53
28 - PROCUREMENT ......sscscsssssescesscesscnssecssesesesereneseeseseeseenees 62
29 - RECORDS RETENTION (FINANCIAL) ..cccssecscsssesessssceesesesesecenssseeeessesesescesseseesseseessens 69
30 - REVENUES AND SERVICE FEES .....cscsccscssssessesceseseeseeresscscsssscssssescerssenserserserseseaenee 70
31 -RLDC CONTROLS .
32 - SEGREGATION OF DUTIES .....c.csssssssssescsseesctescsccseeseeecsecscsssscsssessnssnessesvaseasesveesnenss 73
33 - VEHICLE USAGE o....seccscesesesssescnsssenssessssssceessusssessssscessaasessceeeeseseseancessessserssseseuesease 74
Town of Ramapo, New York — Policy Manual

SECTION I — INTRODUCTION
1 - STATEMENT
This Comprehensive Policy and Procedures Manual (“Manual’) contains key fiscal and management
policies and procedures that guide the operations of the Town and the Ramapo Local Development
Corporation. The Manual serves as a comprehensive reference guide to the rules by which Town and the
RLDC operate. It is intended to be a resource for staff, citizens, and all stakeholders.
Except where otherwise noted, the policies in this Manual apply to all departments, administrative units
and employees of the Town and the RLDC.
These policies have been adopted under by and under the authority of the Town Board unless otherwise
noted.
2 - DEFINITIONS
“Administration” means the functional and operational departments of the Town of Ramapo.
“Board” means Board of the Town of Ramapo and/or the Board of the RLDC
“DIT” means the Town Director of Information Technology
“DOF” means the Town Director of Finance.
“DOP” means the Town Director of Purchasing.
“FP” means Finance Plus, the fund accounting software licensed to the Town by Central Square.
“GASB” means Government Accounting Standards Board.
“GFOA” means the Government Finance Officers Association.
“GML” means General Municipal Law.
“LFL” means Local Finance Law.
“QSC” means the Office of the New York State Comptroller.
“RLDC” means Ramapo Local Development Corporation.
“Supervisor” means the Supervisor of the Town.
“Town” means the Town of Ramapo.
Page
Town of Ramapo, New York — Financial Policy Manual DRAFT
SECTION IT — FINANCIAL POLICIES
4 - BANK ACCOUNTS
A&M: 2, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 87, 125, 26, 31, 59, 85, 156
SECTION — I
SCOPE
Safeguarding bank account information has become increasingly important and is a recommended best
practice of the OSC. Only known and authorized personnel should be provided access to bank account
information.
SECTION - II
OBJECTIVES
To ensure Town bank accounts are properly operated, monitored, safeguarded and reconciled.
SECTION - III
BANK ACCOUNT POLICIES
1. Bank accounts will be opened as required with the approval of the Supervisor in banking
institutions that have been authorized by the Board.
2. By NYS law, the sole authorized signatory of the accounts used for the collection of taxes and
related matters is the Tax Receiver. The Supervisor and Deputy Supervisor will be the only
authorized signatories of all other accounts.
3. The DOF shall, at the end of each quarter, request each approved depository for a listing of all bank
accounts in the name of the Town and for all bank accounts carrying the Town’s federal tax ID.
The list will be reviewed by the Board to verify that all accounts have been duly authorized and
recorded n the books and records.
4. Bank accounts will be reviewed annually to ensure that the number of accounts, including payroll,
adequately and efficiently meet the needs of the Town.
5. Bank accounts may only be opened or closed with the express written approval of the Supervisor,
or, in the case of tax accounts, with the express written approval of the Tax Receiver.
6. Account opening forms also require the signature of the DOF to ensure that the new accounts are
properly recorded in the books and records and properly activated for on-line banking.
7. Each year a complete list of all bank accounts will be presented to the board for approval by
resolution in the re-organizational meeting.
3|Page
Town of Ramapo, New York ~ Financial Policy Manual IDRAF' 7
one whose commercial paper and other unsecured short-term debt obligations are rated in one of
the three highest rating categories by at least one nationally recognized statistical rating
organization or by a bank that is in compliance with applicable federal minimum risk-based capital
requirements.
3. By an eligible surety bond payable to the Town for an amount at least equal to 100% of the
aggregate amount of deposits and the agreed upon interest, in any, executed by an insurance
company authorized to do business in New York State, whose claims-paying ability is rated in the
highest rating category by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations.
5|Page
Town of Ramapo, New York — Financial Policy Manual IDRAF’ T

Ramapo PD General Orders

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GO 301, Patrol Operations

Town of Ramapo Police Department

To describe the various tasks associated with the Patrol functi

The Town of Ramapo Police Department provides 24 hour

Responding to calls for service

Maintaining Law and‘Order

Promoting Public Relations

Driving While Intoxicated Investigations

Town of Ramapo Police Department

Notification of next of kin of the death, injury or illness of a family member

“A. Notification Responsibility

1 When deaths occur within the Department’s jurisdiction, normally, it is the

GO 302, Page 1 of6

2, Depariment personnel should assist the Medical Examiner’s Office

3. Requests from outside agencies to contact family members within the

4. Requests from individuals to contact family members within the

B, —_ Information Gathering and Preparation

1. All death, injury or illness notifications that are the responsibility of

2. Officers shall be prepared to and shall be provided adequate discretion to

3. Prior to contacting next of kin, notifying officers shall gather and

6. Wherever possible, officers should gather available information concerning

7. Officers should, wherever reasonably possible, avoid using the name of

8. Where possible, iwo officers (preferably a supervisor and officer team)

9. Officers should request the assistance of the Department Chaplain or local

1 Upon atrival at the residence or place of business, officers shall do the

2. Every reasonable effort shall be made to make the notification in the

3, Prior to making notification, officers should, where possible, bring

GO 302, Page 3 of6

Officers should address the family members in a straight forward manner

Officers should be prepared for unexpected tesponses from family

Officers should provide family members with sufficient time to regain

Providing Assistance and Referral

Officers shall not leave upon completion of the notification until

responsibility for infants or small children;

Officers should provide any additional information on the incident

4, Officers should be aware of confusion on the part of family members;

7. Notifying officers should ensure that a follow-up visit is conducted with

E. Death Notification — Police Department Member

1, Whenever possible, line of duty death notifications should be made in person

. Whenever the health of immediate survivors is a concern, emergency medical

. Communication of information conceming the officer and the incident shall,

. The notification officer should be responsible for identifying additional

Town of Ramapo Police Department

Reevaluation | 42/03 | 12/13 | 03-15 Amended — | 12/03 | 02/14 | 03-15

To establish standard department procedures for providing assistance to or requesting

It is the policy of the Town of Ramapo Police Department to provide emergency

b. What information should be relayed when requesting assistance?

(1) Location where assistance is required.

(3) Description of suspects/participants/cars/setting.

(5) Description of what responding officers are expected to do,

2, Responding to a request from another agency for Mutual Aid.

a. Duties of ECC personnel,

(1) Notify a shift supervisor without delay.

(2) Acquire all essential information to include:

(a) Location of the event,

(3) Make a log entry and assign an incident number.

(4) NOTE: ECC personnel do not have authority to direct officer

b. Duties of the Shift Supervisor.

(1) Acquite as much information as possible about the incident that

() I 2 R20 potice suparvisor

(4) Geographically reposition remaining field assets to maximize coverage

(5) Unless unusual circumstances exist, officers should respond to a staging

c. Duties of the Staff Duty Officer.

(1) Determine the proper supervisory response. (amended 62/14)