Recommendation 34.6

MPD should conduct an audit of its field interviews to review the timely and accurate completion of Field Interview cards, proper explanation for the reasonable suspicion giving rise to the stop, and as a cross-reference against the CAD data for the pedestrian stop.

Current:

The department does recognize there are ways it can improve its data collection and measurements, and recognizes enhancements in these areas can contribute to greater levels of oversight and accountability. The department will have the opportunity to more thoroughly and routinely review and act on this information with updates to the department’s oversight and accountability protocols.

It should be noted, as indicated in the specific recommendations, that the department has very strong policies in SOP 085 (Field Interviews, Citizen Contacts, and Search and Seizure) regarding the requirements and reporting requirements for members to conduct a field interview. The department has also put into place audits as part of the CompStat process to ensure these procedures are followed and will continue to ensure that pedestrian stops are conducted lawfully and in compliance with department policy. The department also has a robust Inspections Division and can require as part of our Inspection Standards that they audit the proper completion and submission of field interview cards and consent to search forms.

SOP 085.20(C) clearly articulates the requirements for submitting field interview cards. All field interview cards are required to be submitted to a supervisor prior to the end of the member’s tour of duty and all cards are required to be reviewed by a supervisor prior to being entered into the Tiburon FI module. The policy requires the Field Interview card to be entered within 72 hours. The department audited this information at a recent CompStat meeting on June 28, 2017, to ensure that field interview cards are being properly entered into the Tiburon FI module. The audit consisted of identifying the number of field interviews in CAD and cross-comparing the number to the number of field interviews entered into Tiburon. This information will be regularly presented at CompStat to ensure field interviews are properly entered into the Tiburon FI module in accordance with department policy. In addition, MPD supervisors are also required to review and approve all Arrest Detention Report (form PA-45) and/or Probable Cause Statement and Determination (form CR-215) reports completed by members as these reports require reasonable suspicion and probable cause for an arrest during a field interview. Field Interview cards are not solely used to document a Terry stop. They serve a dual purpose as a way to document contacts with witnesses, victims, and other interested parties during an investigation. There will not always be a reasonable suspicion or probable cause statement needed on a Field Interview card.