Protocols for Off-Duty Actions Presentation For Law Enforcement Officers

1. Protocols for Off-Duty Actions Presentation For Law Enforcement Officers Wisconsin Department of Justice Law Enforcement Standards Board

2. Presentation developed by Wisconsin Law Enforcement Training and Standards Tactical Skills Committee June 2008

3. An off-duty officer may arrest or provide aid outside of jurisdiction if: • responding to an emergency that poses significant threat to life or bodily harm; and • the officer is taking action that he or she would be authorized to take in the officer’s jurisdiction; and • the officer’s agency has written policies that authorize action; and

4. An off-duty officer may arrest or provide aid outside of jurisdiction if: (continued) • the policies address reasonable responses to an emergency; and • The policies address arrests made in response to an emergency situation; and • The policies address notification of and cooperation with a law enforcement agency of another jurisdiction; and

5. An off-duty officer may arrest or provide aid outside of jurisdiction if: (continued) • the officer’s action is in compliance with the policies of the supervising agency.

6. Limitations • The Supervising agency may restrict an officer’s authority by including limitations in the written policies

7. Liability Off-duty officers, acting outside of their jurisdiction are considered to be acting in an official capacity for purposes of civil and criminal liability

8. Liability • Off-duty officers, acting outside of their jurisdiction are covered for workers compensation claims

9. Considerations for Off-duty Carry Proper identification Weapon must be immediately accessible Similar to on-duty weapon Spare magazine, flashlight, etc. Concealed carry rig

10. Considerations for Off-duty Carry Limitations on equipment Instructions to family members Alcohol and bars Be a good witness

11. Considerations for Intervention Tactical evaluation Threat assessment Officer/subject factors Special circumstances

12. Considerations for Intervention No personal involvement Situations involving officer, family, friends, etc. This does not apply when the officer is a victim of a crime

13. Considerations for Intervention Off-duty employment Acting as an officer vs. acting as an employee of a private company Responding is appropriate for emergency situations that pose a significant threat to life or bodily harm.

14. Considerations for Intervention Presence of family members Prior planning is necessary Family should not intervene Contact on-duty authorities

15. On-Duty Considerations Tactical Evaluation Threat Assessment Officer/subject factors Special circumstances Level/stage/degree of stabilization

16. Appropriate Response for On-Duty Officers in Tactical Situations Disarm anyone you do not know Handcuff Search Ask questions

17. Off-Duty Protocols Contact on-duty authorities What is occurring Where it is occurring Identify yourself as an off-duty officer Provide a description of yourself Provide a description of subject or subjects Identify that you intend to take police action

18. Off-Duty Protocols (continued) Make contact with the subject Visual display of identification card or badge Verbal commands Emphasize the word “police”

19. Off-Duty Protocols (continued) Stabilize scene Secure subject Contact 911 Make bystanders aware that you are an officer

20. Off-Duty Protocols (continued) Upon arrival of on-duty officers Holster weapon Verbally identify yourself as an officer Place both hands in plain view Comply with all orders No sudden movements

21. Post-Intervention Stay on scene until released by on-duty personnel Notify supervisor Document actions

22. Questions? Thanks for your time and attention.